The short film will be directed by Sierra Leonean-British actor, musician, and filmmaker, Idris Elba.
By Hope Ibiale
Nigerian media mogul, Mo Abudu via her company EbonyLife Films has collaborated with a pan-African financial institution African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) through its Creative Africa Nexus (Canex) to produce a short film, Dust to Dreams. The film will be directed by Sierra Leonean-British actor, musician, and filmmaker, Idris Elba.
Last year, Mo Abudu and Idris Elba announced their decision to collaborate to develop emerging talent from Africa and to make a slate of African films and TV shows. Dust to Dreams is one of their first collaborations.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, Dust to Dreams, follows the relationship between a mother and her daughter as she meets her father for the first time. The film will feature British singer, Seal, and Nollywood actors, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Eku Edewor, and Constance Olatunde.
While unveiling the film’s cast on her Instagram page, Abudu said, “I’m beyond thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration close to my heart! Teaming up with Afreximbank, EbonyLife Films proudly presents Dust to Dreams – a mesmerising short film created by yours truly, adapted by the brilliant Idris Elba, and set to be directed by none other than the incomparable Idris Elba himself! It’s a testament to the richness of African talent.”
The film was created by Abudu, and written and directed by Elba. Abudu will serve as both executive producer and producer, with Heidi Uys as supervising producer. Alongside Abudu and Uys on the project are producers Temidayo Makanjuola, Inem King, and Vanessa Demme.