Nigerian Short Film Co-Stars Seunmanuel Faleye and Rahmah Zakareeyah Win Best Actor and Best Actress at Dublin Movie Awards

Tears for Enebi, the acclaimed Nigerian short film produced by renowned storyteller Godspower Oshodin, has added another milestone to its growing international legacy, with co-stars Seunmanuel Faleye and Rahmah Zakareeyah winning Best Actor and Best Actress in a Short Film respectively at the Dublin Movie Awards in Ireland.

The film has bagged at least 20 nominations and has received over 10 awards across global festival circuits.

Seunmanuel Faleye, who co-produced, co-directed and starred in the film, received the Best Actor honour alongside lead actress Rahmah Zakareeyah, whose emotionally layered portrayal of the film’s central character, Enebi Annah, earned her the Best Actress prize. The double acting recognition at Dublin marks a significant moment for Nigerian independent cinema, demonstrating that stories rooted in African experiences are commanding serious attention on international stages.

Tears for Enebi is a 16-minute short film that dramatises the real-life ordeal of Enebi Annah, a celebrated beauty queen and poet who survived sexual assault at the hands of a leading figure in one of Africa’s most prominent anti-rape organisations. The film confronts sexual violence with unflinching honesty while centering the voices of survivors with courage and hope.

The production was directed by Peter Atigogo, Seunmanuel Faleye, and Sunki, with production coordination by Joshua Emmanuel. It features performances from Rahmah Zakareeyah, Seunmanuel Faleye, Aitiya Hensley, and a five-year-old Kika Oshodin, with a special appearance by Nollywood icon Foluke Daramola The film was made possible through the collaboration of associate production companies Solution Media Studios, Mogson Production, M2NET, and Purplemat Entertainment, and features an original soundtrack by emerging Nigerian musician Mark Owi.

Receiving his Best Actor award, Seunmanuel Faleye spoke with the conviction of an artist who understands the weight of what recognition of this kind truly means. “This award is not just a trophy. It is a stamp of honor on every sleepless night, every difficult choice, and every moment of artistic sacrifice that went into preparing for this role. I did not approach this character casually. I demanded everything of myself, emotionally, physically, and creatively because this story deserved nothing less than total commitment. To be recognised on an international stage like Dublin for that dedication is deeply humbling and profoundly affirming. But I must say this clearly: none of what I delivered on screen would have landed the way it did without Rahmah Zakareeyah. She brought a level of emotional depth to Enebi that was breathtaking to witness and electrifying to act alongside. Our scenes together became something far greater than performance — they became a powerful artistic conversation, and she matched every beat with an intensity that pushed me to give more than I thought I had. This award belongs to that shared commitment.”

Speaking on the string of international recognitions, the film continues to attract producer Godspower. Oshodin said the growing award count is the clearest vindication of the vision that drove the project from its earliest stages. “Every award “Tears for Enebi “receives is not merely an honor. It is confirmation that the vision behind this film was always right. The story we set out to tell, the message we were determined to carry, the voices we chose to amplify, the international community keeps affirming, festival after festival, that this work matters. Over 10 awards across global platforms do not happen by accident. They happen because truth resonates and because a team of extraordinary artists gave everything to make that truth impossible to ignore.”

With over 10 international awards secured and more selection for screening at ten major film festivals scheduled for 2026, Tears for Enebi is firmly positioned as a landmark work in Nigerian short filmmaking, one that transcends entertainment to drive meaningful dialogue and advocate for a safer, more compassionate world.