Watch Femi Oladigbolu's Visually Striking Debut Short, 'OBA' Starring Samuel Adewunmi Now Streaming On The BlkScript Network
Femi Oladigbolu’s debut short tells the story of “a lost boy in the diaspora falling into his destiny.”
The Afrofuturist film is a visually striking offering that follows a young man, named Ayo, who’s been chosen as the next successor to the late king.
WATCH FEMI OLADIGBOLU’S ‘OBA’ NOW
Throughout the 11-minute short, Oladigbolu weaves in elements of a specific Yoruba religion – a longstanding interest of his. Ayo, is, as Oladigbolu says, a reflection of himself and the film is an exploration of his fascination with African deities, combined with his Nigerian heritage and experiences growing up in the UK.
“As a Nigerian Black-British filmmaker, I acknowledge that my perspective may not align with the mainstream, yet I possess a wealth of stories that I am uniquely qualified to tell. This film serves as a manifestation of the tales passed down to me since childhood, blending the richness of my Nigerian heritage, my imagination and experiences growing up in the UK.” said Femi Oladigbolu.
In a re-imagined future, the King of a Nigerian village passes. The village kingmakers consult with traditional Gods until Ayo, an unsuspecting young man from South-East London, is selected as the new Oba. Ayo is suddenly plunged into a surreal journey of reconnection and discovery.
Femi Oladigbolu is a British-Nigerian writer and director from South London whose work bridges music, film, and culture. Femi crafts visually rich worlds that are emotionally grounded and celebrate identity, belonging, and imagination. His award-winning projects span short films, commercials, and music videos for artists and brands including Stormzy, Jorja Smith, Disney, and Balmain. His acclaimed short Oba, an Afrofuturist exploration of lineage and myth, showcases his bold visual storytelling and cultural depth. Femi continues to develop narrative work that amplifies authentic voices and reimagines the possibilities of modern Black British cinema.
OBA Cast:
Ayo: Samuel Adewunmi
Aunty Aduke: Funke Adeleke
Tomi: Philips Nortey
Drummer: Richard Olátúndé Baker
Boy on Bike: Damien Mundee
The Bashorun: Sam Geker-Kawle
The Agbaakin: Okon Jones
The Samu: Winston Gayle
The Alpine: Lateef Lovejoy
The Laguna: Curtis Reid
The Akiniku: Charles Angiama
The Ashipa: Clare Odia
Former King: Ray Shell
1st Wife: Yvonne Campbell
2nd Wife: Zimena Osima-Pringle
3rd Wife: Temi Orelaja
Orunmila: Ezzy Nzewi
Oshun: Asmara Cammock
Shango: Mikey Boats
Heads of Departments
Written & Directed by: Femi Oladigbolu
Produced by: Ray Okudzeto
Executive Producers: Stephen Ledger-Lomas, Helen Rhodes, Scott O’Donnell
Music Composer: Ife oladigbolu
Director of Photography: Stefan Yap
Production Designe: Jakob Gierse
Editor: Hasani Franke
Costume Designer: Barbara Ayozie Fu Safira
Make Up Designer: Megumi Matsuno
Creative Director of Hair: Shamara Roper
Casting Director: Emma Garrett
Sound Design: Jack Hallet
Femi Oladigbolu’s Website