In the wake of Coronavirus pandemic, filmmakers have taken to exploring digital technologies in order to ensure stories are still being told. One of such filmmakers is Obi Emelonye, an award-winning director/producer/writer known for films like Oxford Gardens, The Mirror Boy, and Onye Ozi. His 2012 thriller disaster film, Last Flight To Abuja, was the Best Film By An African Based Abroad at the 2013 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
His latest film project, Heart 2 Heart, was shot for The Nollywood Factory using mobiles phones (by Enobong Inyang for the London scenes and Obioma Achufusi for the Lagos scenes) and directed remotely using Zoom, a popular video conferencing application.
Written by Amaka Obi-Emelonye, Heart 2 Heart follows a long-distance video call between two young lovers whose wedding was affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. Not minding the distance, the pair decide to go ahead with what’s most important to them – getting married (thanks to technology).
This short film has only two cast members: The 2020 AMVCA Trailblazer – JideKene Achufusi (Living In Bondage) playing the role of Ojo, and Godsfavour Inyang (Leah – pre-production) giving life to her role as Ada. Considering how it’s nearly impossible to work remotely in the movie industry, given the number of personnel and craftsmanship required, this unique project by Obi Emelonye is admirable.
To leave you with the quote that ended the film: “Situations may change. But the things that matter don’t. (-Linus Osigwe Emelonye)”
