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Chioma – A Groundbreaking Triumph in African Horror Cinema
Horror enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an exhilarating cinematic experience with “Chioma,” the latest spine-chilling masterpiece from acclaimed director David Masterwille. The film has not only captivated audiences but also garnered two prestigious awards, including the Best Feature Film and the Best Young Actress accolades at the esteemed Black Star International Film Festival on September 24, 2023.
At the heart of this gripping tale is the phenomenal performance of Ghanaian-Nigerian sensation, Emmanuella Ifunanya Ulasi, aged 25, who clinched the Best Young Actress award for her portrayal of the titular character, Chioma. This triumph marks a significant milestone in Emmanuella’s burgeoning acting career. Other members of the cast include Bex who plays Kanyi, Brian Angels playing the powerful Father Godson and another young actor, Eric Afrifa Mensah who plays Kujo, Chioma’s disabled teenage brother.
Drawing inspiration from horror classics like “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Exorcist,” “Chioma” promises an electrifying experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats, yearning for more.
Set against the eerie backdrop of the Aburi Botanical Gardens, “Chioma” weaves a haunting narrative around a beleaguered family of four, ensnared in the malevolent clutches of an embittered uncle. The film unravels a tale of harrowing consequences that befall all who are entangled in this sinister web. Beyond the terror, “Chioma” also shines a poignant spotlight on the resilience of Nigerian-Ghanaian family bonds and the profound challenges posed by severe disability.
David Masterwille, the visionary director behind this tour de force, expressed his gratitude towards the collective effort of the Ghanaian creative minds and artists that made the film possible. He remarked: “The creation of “Chioma” has been a labour of love, a testament to the potential that lies within our Sub-Saharan African film industry. With the right collaboration and resourcefulness, we can overcome the financial hurdles that often hinder our progress.”
In a ground-breaking move, Masterwille provided equity in the film to his dedicated cast and crew, in lieu of upfront payments. His hope is that this innovative approach may be able to not only empower filmmakers and creatives in Sub-Saharan Africa but also pave the way for a future of self-sustained cinematic endeavours.
“I have full confidence that the final product will be both artistically gratifying and commercially successful, a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of everyone involved. I believe our success with ‘Chioma’ will inspire a wave of collaborative creativity across the continent,”Masterwille added.
“Chioma” stands as a testament to the boundless potential within African cinema, and it is poised to leave an indelible mark on the global horror genre.
Tribute was paid to the late Kwasi Boasiako Antwi, the casting director of Chioma, at the premiere of the film during the BSIFF in the presence of his family. “Kwasi was one of the first people to offer his support to my vision for Chioma,” said Masterwille, adding, “As the CEO of Casting Africa, he gave me access to a talented pool of actors, actresses. Kwasi was such a gem, a kindhearted and supportive human. His untimely departure has been a huge blow to Ghana’s film sector. Damirifa due, KBA! ”
About the Director
David Asare Masterwille is the managing director of AdomiBridge Studios, an independent film production company in Ghana. He is an enterprising and innovative filmmaker who always find ways to get things done. He is a multiple award winning filmmaker, winning awards in both fiction (Chioma) and documentary (Gold Is Here) films. His films have screened at several film festivals including Durban International Film Festival in South Africa, Zanzibar International Film Festival in Zanzibar, Tanzania; Africa Zanzibar International Film Festival in Nigeria, AfryKamera in Warsaw, Poland; Silicon Valley African Film Festival, among others. Masterwille directed the documentaries for Ghana’s year-long transatlantic slavery commemorative campaign “Year of Return” in 2019.
David was selected for Produire Au Sud/Durban FilmMart’s Jumpstart lab in 2022 with his musical drama feature film project on illegal mining, A Dream To Die For, which is currently seeking funding. David studied at Vancouver Film School in Canada, as well as the National Film and Television Institute in Ghana. He was a member of Ghana Folklore Board between 2018 and 2021.
About the Lead Actress
Emmanuella Ifunanya Ulasi is known for her roles in The Storm (2023), Chioma (2023) and SEVSU: Sexual Victims Support Unit (2022), Coffee Shop a TV Web Series.
About the film
Logline: A farmhouse family suffers a terrible fate when their son
develops incestuous desires towards his older sister.
Brief synopsis
After years of grief, a troubled Nigerian-Ghanaian family is overjoyed when their 12-year-old quadriplegic son, Kujo, suddenly recovers. However, Kujo starts developing incestuous feelings towards his older teen sister Chioma. Despite strong intervention from their mother and a powerful priest, Kujo is bent on acting on his desires. Suddenly, Chioma’s boyfriends start disappearing one after the other.
Runtime
105 mins
The Trailer
IMDB Link
About the Production Company
Adomibridge Studios
