Idris Elba, a Hollywood star, has partnered with Nigerian filmmaker Mo Abudu to direct a short film called Dust to Dreams, which is based in Lagos.
BMA understands that the film is a collaboration between Abudu’s EbonyLife Films and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) through its Creative Africa Nexus (Canex).
The story follows the relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter as she meets her father for the first time.
Seal, a British-Nigerian music star, is part of the film’s cast alongside Nollywood stars Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eku Edewor, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, and former Nigerian Idol contestant Constance Olatunde.
Abudu, who created the film, will serve as both executive producer and producer, with Heidi Uys as supervising producer. Other co-producers on the project are Temidayo Makanjuola, Inem King, and Vanessa Demme.
Abudu and Elba signed a co-production deal through their respective production companies, EbonyLife Media and Green Door Pictures, in 2023. Dust to Dreams is the first notable production to come out of this deal.
Elba said last year that he has always been passionate about using his platform to make a positive impact, and partnering with Mo is a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse media landscape that represents the voices and experiences of Africa and its Diaspora around the world.
Abudu expressed her excitement about the project, saying, “I am delighted to be working with Afreximbank and this incredibly talented team. Dust To Dreams is a story close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to bring it to life with such passionate collaborators.”