African Mythology-Based Film “Water Girl” Makes Official Selection For MVAAFF 2025

Water Girl, a supernatural horror film based on the Ọgbanje mythology, has made the official selection at the Academy Awards Qualifying 23rd Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF 2025). The film is written, co-produced and directed by Nnamdi Kanaga who took to social media to announce the development.

Water Girl follows the story of Nkechi who, to her dismay, discovers that her daughter Kamsi, is bound to the cyclical existence of the Ogbanje—a spirit child trapped in a cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The film is co-produced with veteran Nigerian actress Stella Damascus who also stars in a lead role, Isreal McKinney Scott and Jennings Barmore. The cast includes actors of different origins, including Nigerians; Kenneth Okoli, Florence Onuma, Martins Samuel and African-Americans Oliver Haeden and Moriyahfaith Jackson.

Last year, in a media conversation, the filmmaker Kanaga stressed the importance of the story of Water Girl in contemporary society, especially its focus on the nature of motherhood. The film blends horror and drama to effectively depict the experience of the supernatural while documenting real-life emotional struggles. In December, the film got selected for the screening at 2025 the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, Polson Montana where it received 5 nominations: Best Picture Feature, Best Montana Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Score. The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, Polson Montana will take place from 14th – 16th February, 2025.

In its 23rd year, the MVAAFF remains committed to the celebration of exceptional black cinema and will feature a lineup of thought-provoking films, talented filmmakers, and engaging discussions. All screenings and events associated with the grand occasion are scheduled to be held at Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center (MVPAC) which is situated next to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School at 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 in the United States. The festival is scheduled to run from 1st – 9th August, 2025.