Lufodo Productions, in collaboration with Kinsman Studios, is set to premiere its short film, A Tray of Locust Beans, on November 5, 2026, at Filmhouse, Landmark, Lagos, following its selection for the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2026.
The premiere, commissioned by Above Whispers Media Foundation in collaboration with the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, will feature an exclusive screening followed by a discussion on the film’s central social issues.
Written by Bisi Fayemi, an activist and author, the film is based on her short story, with a screenplay by Ololade Okedare and Ayobola Eniola. It is directed by Orobosa Ikponmwen.
Set in Epe, Lagos State, the narrative follows Mabel, a 13-year-old girl navigating a fractured child welfare system and exploitative informal guardianship arrangements.
The film examines the vulnerability of children within structures intended to protect them, highlighting the consequences of institutional neglect and the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence.
Its cast features Somachi Chilaka, veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva and Korede Lawal. Silva also serves as an executive producer alongside Soji Jacobs and Fayemi.
The production team said AFRIFF’s recognition underscores the importance of bringing difficult societal issues into public discourse.
“We are incredibly honoured that A Tray of Locust Beans has been recognised by AFRIFF 2026.
“Through Mabel’s story, we want to spark uncomfortable but necessary conversations about how our societies protect or fail to protect the girl child,” the team said.
The November 5 screening will provide the first public opportunity to watch the film ahead of its scheduled festival screenings at AFRIFF.
The accompanying post-screening conversation is expected to extend the film’s advocacy focus beyond the screen, addressing the responsibilities of communities, institutions and policymakers in safeguarding children.
Above Whispers Media Foundation is a project that aligns with its work on women’s rights, gender equality and social justice through storytelling, advocacy, capacity building and strategic partnerships.
The collaboration also reflects the growing use of film and other creative platforms to advance public awareness of social challenges and influence conversations around policy and institutional accountability.
Lufodo Productions, co-founded by Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs, produces film, stage and television content rooted in Nigerian cultural realities and aimed at international audiences.
With its AFRIFF selection and upcoming Lagos premiere, A Tray of Locust Beans positions itself as both a cinematic undertaking and an advocacy-driven intervention in the conversation about child protection and the rights of the girl child.
