At the recent Realtime International Film Festival (RTF) in Birmingham, UK, “The Interrogation of Lotanna” clinched the Best Nollywood Short Film award. RTF, an independent festival founded by Stanley Ohikhuare in 2016, is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant creative economy for independent filmmakers.
The festival has become a crucial platform for emerging talent, playing a significant role in launching the careers of over 150 filmmakers, many of whom now have their works featured on major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon.
This recognition of “The Interrogation of Lotanna” highlights the growing impact of Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
Directed and written by Reginald Jumbo, known as Grandmaster Prime, and produced by Ibukun Serah Adetoyinbo and Ore Oba, “The Interrogation of Lotanna” tells a gripping story set against the backdrop of a rebellion.
The narrative follows Captain Ardo, a military commander tasked with locating the leader of the insurgency, Zuru Nkwu. Despite months of failed attempts and severe interrogations, the person of interest, Lotanna, insists on his innocence.
The film’s tense portrayal of its protagonist’s struggle amidst conflict captures the viewer’s attention and adds to the film’s acclaim.
The festival showcased a range of Nigerian films this year, including “Garden of Healing” by Ozor Uche, “Kaka” by Prince Daniel, and “Arinye” by Seun Afolabi, demonstrating the diversity and talent present in Nigerian cinema.
The significant participation of emerging filmmakers, with at least 80% of the festival’s entrants being up-and-coming creatives, underscores RTF’s commitment to fostering new talent and providing them with opportunities to exhibit their work.
“The Interrogation of Lotanna” features a talented cast including William Chinoyenem, Cassey Oritsejolomi, Anthony Nwahiri, Francis Sule, Michael Embraiz, and Mr. Rala.
The film’s success at RTF reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian films in international film circuits and highlights the quality and creativity present in Nollywood’s short film sector.
