Freedom Way and Legend of The Vagabond Queen of Lagos both had their MENA premieres at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and sharing that moment with two powerful stories felt truly special. Selected for the Festival Favourites section, the screenings brought our Nigerian narratives to a new audience across the region and created unforgettable connections.

Freedom Way, directed by Afolabi Olalekan and written and produced by Blessing Uzzi, is an ensemble drama that follows the lives of young entrepreneurs and everyday Lagosians caught in the grip of police harassment, corruption, and unfavorable government policies. Playing Abiola, a young father and okada rider whose world is turned upside down, was one of the most demanding roles I’ve taken on. Learning to ride a motorcycle for the character added real depth to the portrayal. The theater in Jeddah was packed, and the audience leaned in completely, laughing at the Lagos hustle, reacting to the injustices, and staying locked in until the very end. The conversations afterward showed how these themes of survival and resilience resonate everywhere.

Legend of The Vagabond Queen of Lagos, the stunning debut from the Agbajowo Collective, blends social thriller with magical realism. It tells the story of Jawu, a young mother in a Lagos waterfront slum who discovers a stash of corrupt money tied to forced evictions, and must choose between personal gain and protecting her community. I had the honor of playing Jawu’s supportive partner in this powerful ensemble. The screening carried the same electric energy, the room buzzed, and the audience connected deeply with the film’s urgency and heart. Post-screening discussions highlighted the universal power of stories about injustice and community strength.

Having both films travel together after their world premieres at TIFF felt like a beautiful continuation of the journey. Coming on the heels of Freedom Way’s Special Jury Prize win at AFRIFF, this showcase in Saudi Arabia added another proud milestone for Nigerian cinema. The Red Sea team welcomed us so warmly, and I’m deeply grateful to the incredible casts, crews, and directors who brought these stories to life.

Moments like these remind me why we keep telling these stories. They need to travel far and wide, touching hearts across borders.