A new Nollywood short film, Amira, is set to confront the realities of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. With some of Nigeria’s most prominent filmmakers backing the project, the film aims to shed light on an issue that is often shrouded in silence.

Acclaimed industry figures Imoh Umoren, James Omokwe, Remi Ibinola, and Obinna Okerekeocha have joined the production as executive producers, supporting the vision of director Michael Ichie Panda Okolie and screenwriter Osas Idubor.

According to writer Osas Idubor, Amira is not just a story—it is a reflection of a harsh reality.

“This film gives voice to those who have been silenced. FGM is not just a distant issue; it is happening in communities across Africa and beyond. We cannot afford to look away,” Idubor said.

A Rare Cinematic Approach to FGM

Despite its prevalence, FGM remains a sensitive and often overlooked topic in mainstream African cinema. Director Michael Ichie Panda Okolie says Amira takes an unflinching look at the physical and emotional impact of the practice.

“This is more than just a film; it’s about bringing a critical issue into public discourse,” Okolie stated.

Executive producer James Omokwe believes Nollywood can play a crucial role in shaping conversations about social change.

“Film has the power to challenge norms and shift perspectives. We want Amira to open up discussions that lead to real awareness and action,” Omokwe said.

A Widespread Issue, A Global Conversation

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM globally, with millions more at risk. While the practice is illegal in several countries, it continues due to deep-rooted cultural and societal norms.

By telling Amira’s story, the filmmakers hope to challenge these norms and encourage dialogue about the long-term consequences of FGM.

“We are using storytelling as a tool for change. The more we talk about FGM, the harder it becomes to ignore,” said executive producer Obinna Okerekeocha.

Production and Release Plans

Filming for Amira is set to begin in April 2025, with the project expected to make its way to international film festivals upon completion.

While the film industry has often shied away from topics like FGM, the creators of Amira believe it is time for Nollywood to take on stories that not only entertain but also challenge and inform audiences.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Over N58 billion was paid to Nigerian artists by popular audio streaming platform, Spotify, in 2024, the company disclosed in a statement made available to Business Post on Thursday.

It was revealed that this monumental financial milestone recorded by Nigerian music last year doubled what was generated as royalties in the preceding year.

Also, the number of Nigerian artists generating N10 million in royalties from Spotify has more than doubled since 2023 and more than tripled the amount recorded in 2022, according to Spotify’s 2024 Loud & Clear report, underscoring the explosive commercial growth of Nigerian music globally.

In addition, this unprecedented financial success reflects the dynamic creativity emerging from Nigeria’s music scene and signals Spotify’s ongoing commitment to supporting artistic talent across the region.

The report also stated that Nigerian artists were discovered by first-time listeners over one billion times on Spotify in 2024, with over 1,900 Nigerian artists added to Spotify editorial playlists—33 per cent more than in 2023.

Further, a significant portion of the N58 billion in royalties earned by Nigerian artists came from listeners outside Nigeria, with global listeners on average spending more than 1.1 million hours streaming Nigerian artists.

It was observed that users have created approximately 250 million playlists featuring Nigerian artists worldwide as Nigerian artists have seen a 49 per cent export growth over the past three years amid a 206 per cent year-on-year growth in local consumption of Nigerian content and a remarkable 782 per cent increase over the past three years.

Commenting on this development, Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said, “We remain committed to empowering Nigerian artists to earn from their art whilst maintaining transparency with artists and stakeholders.

“The incredible growth of Nigerian music, both locally and globally, is a testament to the talent and creativity within Nigeria, and we are proud to support its continued rise.”