ThatAfrikan Productions presents
Resilient Women
A travelling curation of African short films placing women's stories at the centre of the screen.
Lagos · Los Angeles · Nairobi · Toronto
About the Curation
Stories that
rarely find their
way into the
open.
Resilient Women is a curated short film programme created by Celestina Aleobua of ThatAfrikan Productions. Born from a belief that African cinema is wider, older, and richer than the world has been allowed to see, the series brings together independent short films that centre Black women, their bodies, desires, grief, defiance, and joy, and carries them to international audiences.
— Celestina Aleobua
Each edition is shaped by a shared aesthetic: saturated, vibrant colour palettes; stories that challenge familiar tropes; filmmakers who understand that the frame itself is a political act. The films are distinct in geography and language but unmistakably in conversation with one another.
From Lagos to Los Angeles, from Nairobi to Toronto, Resilient Women is building an archive, of women on screen, and of the rooms that gathered to watch them.
The Films
Eight films from across the African continent.
01 Leaving Ikorodu in 1999 Dir. Rashida Seriki ⌄
During a road-trip to the airport, Fade questions whether her niece's departure from Nigeria is truly for the best.
Starring Tomi Ojo, Tobi Bakre, Motunrayo Abiola Oloke, Sheila Atim · Prod. Tobi Kyeremateng
02 The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí Dir. Abbesi Akhamie ⌄
In the whimsical pan-African community of Alkebulan, a brilliant scholar plots revenge after discovering her fiancé's engagement to another woman.
Starring Ellie Foumbi, Ayoola Ayolola, Bridget John · Prod. Yety Akinola
03 Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride Dir. Moses Ipadeola ⌄
With a gun pressed to her head, Omolewa is compelled to shed tears at her Bridal Tears ceremony against her will. She must decide her fate — and many others' — by marrying or running away with her secret lover.
Starring Ugoh Amanda, Moshood Fattah, Chukwu Martin
05 Iseda Dir. David Ikani ⌄
After her home is usurped by Obatala, Olokun's rage reshapes the world.
Starring Boyante Ikani, Merit Chiamaka Olumba, Shahab Muhammed Kogi, Ajoboya Temitopelodobaba
04 Echoes Dir. Ifenna Okeke ⌄
Through the lens of Nigerian mythology, four characters inspired by Igbo deities witness the impact of the Civil War on the Eastern region — confronting the lingering scars of history and the voices that call out to them.
Starring Zenesoul, Casey Evans Asante, Rebecca Fadoju, Haani Ochalla · Art Dir. Ogbe David Ogbe
06 Being You Dir. Minenhle Luthuli ⌄
An exploration of forgiveness and redemption.
07 In Her Shoes Dir. Ella Chikezie ⌄
Gives face, name, and space to African neurodivergent children and their families.
08 Tina, When Will You Marry? Dir. Celestina Aleobua ⌄
As she turns 30, Tina faces sudden pressure to marry. By exploring the stories of three unconventional Nigerian-Canadian women, she decides to tune out the society and traditions that try to dictate what life should look like. Screened at 40+ festivals worldwide.
Featuring Yemi Fusigboye, Eniola Hu, Titilola Oridota, Celestina Aleobua
Edition One
5 Resilient Women
in Lagos, Nigeria
Polygon, Lagos · March 11, 2025
Hosted by Efua Jobi-Taiwo · In partnership with Taiwo Adeyemi
The series began in Lagos during International Women's Month, an intimate evening at Polygon that brought together five short films by African independent filmmakers. A cosy, considered space for films that interrogate tradition, desire, and the weight of expectation on women's lives.
Edition Two
6 Resilient Women
in Los Angeles, California
USC School of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles · May 6, 2025
Hosted by Nia Miranda · In partnership with The Chanah Group & USC Society of Public Diplomats
Part of the Catalyzing Global Change Symposium
Following the Lagos premiere, the curation crossed to Los Angeles. Presented in partnership with The Chanah Group and the University of Southern California's Society of Public Diplomats as part of their Catalyzing Global Change Symposium. Six Nigerian independent short films, curated by Celestina Aleobua and hosted by Nia Miranda, took the screen at USC's School of Cinematic Arts.
Edition Three
7 Resilient Women
in Nairobi, Kenya
Unseen Nairobi · March 4, 2026
Hosted by Wanjeri Gakuru · In partnership with FlyGrade Media & Unseen Nairobi
Seven films. A packed room. An evening at Unseen Nairobi that moved through laughter, gasps, and silence so full you could hear people breathing. Hosted by journalist and curator Wanjeri Gakuru, this edition expanded the programme and deepened its emotional reach, carrying truths rarely spoken aloud into a room of strangers who left feeling less alone.
Coming Later This Year
8 Resilient Women
in Toronto
The curation continues in Canada. More stories. Another city. The same commitment to African women, in front of the camera, behind it, and in the room watching.