Nigerian media mogul and filmmaker, Mo Abudu, is set to release a short film Dust To Dreams with British filmmaker Idris Elba as director and a cast that includes Eku Edewor (Breath Of Life), Nse Ikpe-Etim (Shanty Town) and Atlanta Bridget Johnson (Man Of God). Also part of the cast are former Nigerian Idol contestant Constance Olatunde, former America’s Got Talent judge and British singer Seal, and select members of the Create Africa team curated by Mo Abudu.
The film, which is a collaborative effort of the Mo Abudu-led EbonyLife Films and African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) through its Creative Africa Nexus, is set in Lagos and delves into the relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter who has a first-time encounter with her father.
Dust To Dreams is created and produced by Mo Abudu, while Idris Elba is writer and director. Heidi Uys, Mo Abudu’s frequent collaborator, serves as supervisor producer on the project, with Inem King, and Temidayo Makanjuola as co-producers. The crew also includes UK producer Vanessa Demme, costume designer Yolanda Okereke, and 1st AD May Baykar.
A recipient of Golden Globe Awards, Critics’ Choice Television Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, Idris Elba is known for his remarkable performances in films like Beasts Of No Nation and Luther. The Hollywood actor, who is of Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian descent, made his directorial debut with 2018 British crime drama Yardie.
Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife is the production company behind acclaimed Nollywood films, Òlòturé, Chief Daddy and Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman. Mo Abudu and Idris Elba disclosed last year that they were partnering to develop Africa-based talent and create an array of African films and shows.
Multi-Grammy winner Seal, whose mother is Nigerian, has taken some filmic roles over the years, which includes appearing alongside American actors Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg in 2022 comedy film Me Time, and playing Pontius Pilate in Fox’s live musical, The Passion.
“I am delighted to be working with Afreximbank and this incredibly talented team,” Mo Abudu said. “Dust To Dreams is a story close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to bring it to life with such passionate collaborators.”
“The collaboration with EbonyLife Films is a testament to our commitment to empowering Africa’s creative economy through the Canex Programme,” remarked Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank. “The Bank is committed to supporting Africa’s creative industries through financing, facilitation, providing market access solutions, capacity building and other services.”