The TAFTA Ogun community is buzzing with excitement as the Cohort 6 participants dive into the principal photography phase of their projects under the TAFTA Action Learning Project (TALP). This journey, which began several weeks ago, has been a whirlwind of masterclasses designed to immerse participants in the art and craft of film production. These participants, hailing from various parts of Ogun State, were grouped by location, forming five budding production companies. Remarkably, some of these groups have already initiated their incorporation processes.
After weeks of relentless hard work, each group has developed unique stories and written their screenplays. The five intriguing titles are: Silent Scream, Art-Hack, Virgin Hunters, Shattered Reflection, and Unbroken Beat. These short films delve into themes of women’s inclusivity, gender-based violence, and the challenges faced by people living with disabilities.
With about 1,000 participants getting hands-on filmmaking experience, this project is more than just an educational endeavor; it’s a real-world film production. The participants, serving as both cast and crew, are also collaborating with seasoned industry professionals. The films will feature notable actors such as Antar Laniyan, Pa James, Toyin Oshinaike, Ruby Akubueze, and Bukola Awoyemi (Arugba). Additionally, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, will be making an appearance.
Sneak Peek into Each Film:
Silent Scream
– Logline: An orphan and women’s rights activist falls victim to rape and is forced to marry her rapist. She accidentally kills him following unending abuse.
Art-Hack
– Logline: A young autistic girl navigates a toxic, self-centric environment. Her only hope lies in her extraordinary fine art talent, which she hopes will catapult her to stardom.
Virgin Hunters
– Logline: A rookie cop, refusing her perverse boss’s advances, embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of female students at a public university.
Shattered Reflection
– Logline: A self-absorbed model develops vitiligo and must overcome societal scorn and prejudice to achieve self-acceptance and success.
Unbroken Beat
– Logline: In a patriarchal society that degrades girls, two musically talented girls from different generations must join forces to achieve their shared dreams.
The Road Ahead
The journey from script to screen is an arduous one, but the TALP participants are fueled by passion and dedication. As they navigate the complexities of film production, they are not just learning technical skills but also fostering creativity, teamwork, and resilience. These films, addressing critical social issues, promise to be not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, sparking conversations and potentially driving social change.
Stay tuned as TAFTA Ogun’s Cohort 6 brings these compelling stories to life, demonstrating the power of film as a medium for education, expression, and transformation.
