British-Nigerian filmmaker Kambili Ofili has made a significant impact with her directorial debut, Shaping Us, which won the Best Film in the African Diaspora category at the 2024 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. The film, which explores complex and often overlooked social issues, has been recognized for its storytelling and production quality.
Earlier in the year, Shaping Us was nominated for six awards at the festival, including Best Drama, Best Film – Nollywood, Best First Film – International, and Best Film – African Diaspora.
This recognition marks a remarkable achievement for Ofili, who is relatively new to the film industry but has already shown great promise as a storyteller and filmmaker.
Ofili is the founder of Clear Skies Films & Production, a black and woman-led film production company dedicated to portraying diverse and relatable African stories through high-quality cinematography.
Her company aims to challenge stereotypes and inspire change by highlighting stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Despite having no prior industry experience, Ofili took on multiple roles in the creation of Shaping Us, serving as the producer, writer, director, and even acting in the film.
Her dedication and passion for her craft are evident in the film’s success and the recognition it has garnered on an international platform.
In response to the film’s success, Ofili expressed her deep gratitude and commitment to her work. She shared that Shaping Us is a personal project into which she poured her heart and soul.
Ofili hopes the film will spark meaningful conversations around topics that are often stigmatized, such as infertility, postpartum depression, and divorce.
Her goal is to foster empathy and understanding among viewers, especially those who may be dealing with similar challenges in their own lives. This award-winning debut has set a high bar for her future projects and positioned her as a filmmaker to watch in the coming years.
Her words:
“I poured my heart and soul into this film, and I’m incredibly humbled by the recognition it has received. I hope Shaping Us will spark conversations and empathy around often stigmatised topics and make viewers navigating these situations in their real lives feel seen and understood.”
Shaping Us, co-produced by Edith Nwakenta, delves into the lives of six close friends as they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood. The film captures the emotional complexities of issues like infertility, postpartum depression, and divorce, while also celebrating the strength and resilience found in friendships.
By addressing these difficult subjects, Shaping Us offers a nuanced portrayal of contemporary African experiences that are both relatable and thought-provoking. The film’s success at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival highlights its resonance with audiences and its potential to influence discussions around these important topics.
Although the film’s release date has not yet been announced, Shaping Us features a talented ensemble cast that includes Bucci Franklin, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Omowunmi Dada, James Gardiner, Floyd Igbo, Jordan Bangoji, and a cameo from popular comedian Lasisi Elenu.
The diverse cast and compelling storyline are expected to attract a wide audience when the film becomes available. With its authentic portrayal of real-life issues and strong performances, Shaping Us is poised to make a significant impact both in the African film industry and beyond
