A powerful Nigerian short film, “Tears for Enebi,” addressing sexual violence, has captured global attention, securing five international awards and selection at nearly 20 film festivals worldwide since its debut.
The 16-minute production exploring the harrowing experience of a beauty queen and poet who survived sexual assault recently added two more accolades to its growing collection. The Paris Film Awards honoured the film with a Gold Award for Drama, recognising directors Peter Atigogo and Seunmanuel Faleye, alongside producer Godspower Oshodin. The Hollywood Gold Awards presented the production with a Silver Award for Drama, while the London Movie Awards also awarded a Silver Award for Drama to the same creative trio. The Independent Short Film festival in Los Angeles gave an Honourable Mention for Best Actress before the recent Los Angeles wins for Best Women’s Short Film and Best Actress.
The film, which took over 12 years to bring to fruition, tells the deeply personal story of Enebi Anan, a celebrated beauty queen whose life takes a devastating turn after being assaulted by a trusted mentor. In a shocking twist, the narrative reveals that her perpetrator leads one of Africa’s most prominent anti-rape organizations, exposing the painful irony and betrayal that many survivors face.
Producer Godspower Oshodin, a distinguished author, poet, journalist, and filmmaker, has shepherded this passion project through numerous challenges. Production was halted twice during its development, but the team’s commitment to telling this vital story never wavered.
The production brings together a formidable creative team. Co-produced by the multi-talented Seunmanuel Faleye and directed by Peter Atigogo, Seunmanuel Faleye, and Sunki, with production coordination by Joshua Emmanuel, the film features compelling performances from its ensemble cast, led by Rahmah Zakareeyah in the title role. The cast also includes Seunmanuel Faleye, young Kika Oshodin, just five years old, Aitiya Hensley, and Nollywood icon Foluke Daramola in a special appearance.
Daramola, a long-time advocate against sexual violence and founder of Passion Against Rape and Abuse in Africa (PARA Africa), didn’t hesitate when invited to join the project.
“When Dr Oshodin invited me to be part of his anti-rape film ‘Tears for Enebi’, it was an immediate yes. Advocating against rape and abuse has been my passion since I was a young girl, which led to the establishment of PARA Africa,” she said. “Tears for Enebi is a powerful story that directly addresses these urgent issues and is based on a true story.”
The film features a moving original soundtrack by emerging Nigerian musician MarkOwi, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.
Adding to its impressive run, the film has been selected for screening at the 2026 Miami Beach Film Festival, scheduled for May 5, 2026. According to reel coordinator Claudius Kayode Summ of Solution Media Studios, this places “Tears for Enebi” among a limited number of African short films to be showcased at the prestigious event.
The film was made possible through collaboration with associate production companies Solution Media Studios, Mogson Production, M2net, and Purplemat Entertainment.
“Tears for Enebi” is part of a broader advocacy-driven storytelling initiative by Oshodin, which includes upcoming titles “With Last Debt” and “I Don’t Blame You,” expected to be released later in 2026. These projects are currently screening across film festivals in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
With ten major film festivals scheduled for 2026 and an official premiere set for March, the team behind “Tears for Enebi” hopes their work will spark meaningful dialogue and inspire real change in how societies address sexual violence.
The film’s global success demonstrates the universal resonance of its message: confronting sexual violence head-on and championing the voices of survivors with courage and hope. As awards continue to accumulate and festival selections multiply, “Tears for Enebi” stands as a testament to the power of cinema to address critical social issues and advocate for a safer, more compassionate world.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
