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First Features Project

The First Features Project is a Nigerian film mentorship and production initiative established in 2021 by [[Native Filmworks]] and Michelangelo Productions and co‑founded by Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri. The programme supports emerging Nigerian filmmakers by offering structured training, funding, and industry mentorship to facilitate their first feature-length film production. The films are distributed through a first-look agreement with Amazon Prime Video.

Directors and filmmakers of the inaugural First Features Project cohort with the faculty team, 2022.

Mission and Structure

First Features was conceived to strengthen Nollywood’s upcoming talent pool by bridging gaps in access to resources and professional mentorship. The initiative provides a comprehensive support system that spans from screenplay development to post‑production and distribution. Its objective is to enable sustained careers beyond a debut film by cultivating filmmakers who can contribute to Nigerian cinema’s global growth. [1]

The training was facilitated by a team of esteemed Nigerian and international industry professionals, including John Demps, Antonio Ribeiro, Cristina Aragon, George Kallis, Tolu Ajayi, and Steve Gukas. Following the workshops, each director was paired with a writer and later worked closely with script consultant Paul S. Rowlston to develop their stories. This process culminated in the production of their debut feature-length films. [2][3]

Slate and Releases

The initiative plans a slate of twelve feature films. As of mid‑2025, ten full productions have been completed and nine released via Amazon Prime Video, each ranking in the platform’s local Top Charts in Nigeria. [4]

Released titles include:

  • Cake (directed by Prosper Edesiri) [5]
  • Love & Life (directed by Reuben Reng) [6]
  • It Blooms in June (directed by Korede Azeez) [7]
  • A Father’s Love (directed by Sebastian Ukwa)
  • Kill Boro (directed by Courage Obayuwana) [8]
  • At Ease (directed by Seun Richards)
  • A Danfo Christmas (directed by Sebastian Ukwa) [9]
  • Katangari Goes To Town (directed by Reuben Reng) [10]
  • The Lost Days (directed by Wingonia Ikpi) [11]

The tenth feature, Color Me True (directed by Toluwani Obayan Osibe), completed production in July 2025 and is scheduled for release in November 2025. The Almajiri (directed by Jammal Ibrahim) is currently in post-production, while the final film in the slate, The Night, is in production.

Impact and Significance

According to Al Jazeera, the initiative involved a ₦1 billion (approx. US $2.6 million) investment model to support artistic growth and commercial viability. First Features has been recognised for fostering waves of new directors while contributing strategically to the professionalization of Nollywood. [12]

Industry commentators note that First Features contributes to reforming Nollywood infrastructures by improving access to creative resources and aligning local storytelling with global platforms. [13]

Distribution and Recognition

All films produced under the First Features Project have charted in the Top 10 on Amazon Prime Video Nigeria. Notably, The Lost Days maintained the number 1 position for 10 consecutive days, and remained in Prime Video Nigeria’s Top 10 for over a month, demonstrating strong viewer engagement and visibility.

In 2025, Kill Boro’s original film soundtrack was nominated for The Headies – Soundtrack of the Year, in acknowledgment of its creative contribution to cinema sound design. [14][15]

Love & Life, featuring Rita Dominic as the lead actress, charted within the Top 10 on Prime Video across more than 18 African countries, underscoring its regional appeal. [16]

AMAA 2025

The programme received four nominations across three categories at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2025, recognising achievements in directing, acting, and costume design. Nominees included:

  1. Courage Obayuwana (Kill Boro) — Best Debut Feature Film by a Director
  2. Wingonia Ikpi (The Lost Days) — Best Debut Feature Film by a Director
  3. Talatu Yelji (The Lost Days) — Acheivement in Costume Design
  4. Kosi Obgoruche (Kill Boro) — Best Young/ Promising Actor

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 9 January 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.[17]

Legacy and Alumni Success

One of the programme’s directors, Korede Azeez, went on to direct Adétútù: A Folktale, a Nigerian animated short film for Netflix. She also directed a second feature-length film, With Difficulty Comes Ease, further underscoring the First Features Project’s role in nurturing exceptional Nigerian filmmaking talent and launching promising directorial careers.

References

  1. ^ "Native Films, Michelangelo project to discover new Nollywood filmmakers".
  2. ^ "Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri's First Features Project is Uncovering New Nollywood Filmmakers".
  3. ^ "Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri's First Features Project is Uncovering New Nollywood Filmmakers".
  4. ^ BellaNaija.com (2025-07-02). "First Features' "The Lost Days" Is Coming to Prime Video| Watch the Trailer Here". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  5. ^ Arhawho, Prosper Edesiri (2022-10-06), Cake (Comedy, Romance, Thriller), Tope Tedela, Sophie Alakija, Folu Storms, Natives Filmworks, Michelangelo Productions, retrieved 2025-08-01
  6. ^ Reng, Reuben (2023-12-26), Love and Life (Drama), Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Michelle Dede, First Features, Michelangelo Productions, Michelangelo Productions, retrieved 2025-08-01
  7. ^ Azeez, Korede (2024-02-23), It Blooms in June (Drama), Susan Pwajok, Femi Jacobs, Kiki Omeili, Natives Filmworks, Michelangelo Productions, retrieved 2025-08-01
  8. ^ Courage, Obayuwana (2024-05-30), Kill Boro (Drama), Ini Dima Okojie, Gregory Ojefua, Philip Asaya, Natives Filmworks, MichaelAngelo Productions, First Features, retrieved 2025-08-01
  9. ^ Ukwa, Sebastian (2024-12-14), A Danfo Christmas (Comedy), Seun Kentebe, Valerie Odunukwe, Korede Lawal, Natives Filmworks, Michelangelo Productions, retrieved 2025-08-01
  10. ^ Reng, Reuben (2025-01-04), Katangari Goes to Town (Comedy, Mystery, Thriller), Segun Arinze, Iretiola Doyle, Munachi Abii, First Features, Michelangelo Productions, Natives Filmworks, retrieved 2025-08-01
  11. ^ Ikpi, Wingonia (2025-07-11), The Lost Days (Drama), Ifeoma Fafunwa, Bimbo Manuel, Baaj Adebule, First Features, Michelangelo Productions, Natives Filmworks, retrieved 2025-08-01
  12. ^ Okiche, Wilfred. "Nollywood goes to school: How two veterans nurtured a new set of filmmakers". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  13. ^ Churchill, Ikenna (2024-03-11). "First Features Initiative Aims to Reshape Nollywood with New Generation of Filmmakers". West Africa Weekly. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  14. ^ "Headies 2025 introduces 'Soundtrack of the Year' category, honouring music in Nollywood films | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  15. ^ FM, MAX (2025-03-07). "Headies Awards Introduces Groundbreaking Category for Soundtrack of the Year". 102.3 Max FM. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  16. ^ "Rita Dominic-Anosike, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Michelle Dede Steal Hearts at "Love and Life" Screening".
  17. ^ "AMAA 2025 Nominees – Africa Movie Academy Awards". Retrieved 2025-10-31.
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