Lagos, Nigeria – On March 11, 2025, the halls of Polygon Space pulsed with creativity, emotion, and community as ThatAfrikan Productions and Polygon Space hosted the one-night-only screening of Five Resilient Women—an event that honored the strength and complexity of women through the lens of Nigerian cinema.

Timed to coincide with International Women’s Month, the evening brought together filmmakers, actors, creatives, and culture lovers in an intimate celebration of female resilience and storytelling. The curation featured five powerful short films from a lineup of acclaimed and emerging Nigerian filmmakers, each exploring themes of identity, migration, tradition, and self-determination.

Curated by filmmaker and actress Celestina Aleobua, Five Resilient Women spotlighted narratives often sidelined in mainstream Nollywood. “This event is my way of appreciating the very exciting indie film scene here in Nigeria and the diaspora,” Aleobua shared. “These films are shaping a new Nollywood, and I’m excited to showcase that.”

The night’s program opened with “Leaving Ikorodu in 1999” by director Rashida Seriki and producer Tobi Kyeremateng, a tender road-trip drama that explored the emotional toll of migration. The standout performances by Tomi Ojo and Tobi Bakre moved the audience, setting the tone for the evening.

Next came “The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí”, a genre-bending, satirical fantasy directed by Abbesi Akhamie. The whimsical world of Alkebulan captured imaginations and laughter alike, while sharp dialogue and bold performances kept the audience glued to their seats.

The tension built with “Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride”, a tale of defiance by Moses Ipadeola, where a bride flees tradition in pursuit of love and self-agency.

It was followed by “Echoes” by Ifenna Okeke and Ogbe David Ogbe, which took viewers on an introspective journey through Nigerian mythology, offering a visually stunning reflection on heritage and identity.

Finally, the screening concluded with Aleobua’s own award-winning documentary, “Tina, When Will You Marry?” The film, a deeply personal exploration of cultural expectations surrounding marriage for Nigerian-Canadian women, received an emotional response from the audience—many nodding in recognition as stories mirrored their own experiences.

Hosted by the stylish and charismatic Efua Jobi-Taiwo—former Marie Claire Nigeria fashion editor and cultural commentator—the event also included a post-screening discussion that unpacked the evolving landscape of African cinema and the pivotal role women play in shaping its future. Jobi-Taiwo’s thoughtful moderation invited both filmmakers and audience members to reflect on the ways cinema can challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of African storytelling.

Set within the creatively raw and versatile walls of Polygon Space in Victoria Island, Lagos, the venue itself became part of the story—transforming into a vibrant hub for dialogue, art, and celebration. Polygon’s adaptable design and artistic energy proved a perfect match for an event centered on redefining creative spaces and stories.

From thought-provoking cinema to rich conversations, Five Resilient Women wasn’t just a film screening—it was a movement in miniature. One that showcased the rise of bold, independent African voices and gave audiences a glimpse into the future of Nigerian storytelling: layered, fearless, and undeniably female.

For more information on upcoming events, visit ThatAfrikanProductions.com or follow the conversation at #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #ScreeningInLagos.