…As ‘Shaping Us’ garners 10 nominations at TINFF 2024
In a remarkable debut, Kambili Ofili, a self-taught filmmaker, has taken the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2024 by storm with ‘Shaping Us’, her first-ever film, which garnered an astounding ten nominations.
The nominations include; Best Drama; Best Film – Nollywood; Best First Film – International; Best Film – Africa Diaspora; Best Actress Nollywood film – Kambili Ofili and Best Actress African Film – Uzoamaka Aniunoh.
Others are: Best Supporting Actress – Omowunmi Dada; Best Actor African film – Floyd Igbo; Best Actor International film – Bucci Franklin and Best Supporting Actor African film – James Gardiner.
‘Shaping Us’ is a powerful drama that explores the complexities of family, identity, and resilience.
It features a stellar ensemble cast, including; Bucci Franklin, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Omowunmi Dada, James Gardiner, Floyd Igbo, Jordan Bangoji and a surprise cameo from Lasisi Elenu, who delivers exceptional performances.
On the other hand, the TINFF is a Canadian screen awards qualifying festival, making ‘Shaping Us’ eligible for potential nominations at Canada’s most prestigious film awards.
With no prior industry experience, Kambili fearlessly embarked on the journey of bringing her script’s vision to life, successfully directing and acting simultaneously, a feat rarely attempted, let alone achieved in a debut film. Her passion and commitment to truth shine through in every frame of ‘Shaping Us’.
Meanwhile, most film enthusiasts have described ‘Shaping Us’, as a rare feat by an outstanding talent. The film, which has continued to make waves and garner encomiums, is indeed a remarkable piece of creativity.
“I poured my heart and soul into this film, and I am incredibly humbled by the recognition it has received”, Kambili gushed to an appreciative audience. She continued, “I hope ‘Shaping Us’ will spark conversations and empathy around often stigmatized topics and make viewers navigating these situations in their real lives feel seen and understood.”
“Shaping Us” delves into the lives of six close friends as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of adulthood. The film tackles themes of infertility, postpartum depression, divorce, and the enduring power of friendship. Kambili’s unique directorial vision, combined with the raw emotional depth of the story, has made ‘Shaping Us’ a standout at TINFF 2024.
Kambili, a self-taught filmmaker, bursts onto the scene with this feature debut, Shaping Us. A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that challenges conventional norms, Kambili’s creative journey embodies her mission to break stigmas around starting new chapters. From all aspects of filmmaking to completing an Ultra Marathon in 2023 to raise money for children with autism, Kambili now sets her sights on releasing a music album with a free-floating concert planned in London, UK, on July 21, 2024. The Lagos-born, London-raised writer-director channels her passion, diverse life experiences, and commitment to truth in every endeavour, leaving it all on the line.
Clear Skies Films & Production, her production company, is a black and woman-led film production company with a mission to showcase relatable and diverse African stories using high-quality cinema. The company is committed to producing films that transcend stereotypes and inspire change.
However, the film is yet to set a streaming release date, but if TINFF’s recognition is any indication, the film is a must-watch.
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