Beyond Olympic Glory

Beyond Olympic Glory follows Cynthia Ogunsemilore, a determined boxer from the slums of Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria as she fights through poverty and hardship to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming the second Nigerian female boxer to earn a spot at the Olympics.
Driven by the hope of lifting her family out of poverty and inspiring black women worldwide, Cynthia trains tirelessly in Nigeria and Germany before the Olympic Games. She is on the verge of achieving her dream when, just before her first Olympic match in Paris, she is suspended due to a doping allegation. The sudden scandal throws her world into chaos, devastating her and her family. As Cynthia returns to Nigeria, she faces public disappointment and personal heartbreak. Interviews with sports experts reveal the complexities of her case, shedding light on broader issues in Nigerian sports.
Despite the setback, Cynthia chooses to focus on her future instead of losing hope. She eventually signs with new management in the USA to continue her career as a professional boxer, proving her resilience and inspiring others to overcome life's toughest challenges.

  • Shedrack Salami
    Director
    Semblance Realism
  • Shedrack Salami
    Writer
    Semblance Realism
  • Shedrack Salami
    Producer
    Semblance Realism
  • Cynthia Ogunsemilore
    Key Cast
  • Xtrovarts Visual Studios Xtrovarts Visuals Xtrovarts Visuals
    Production Company
    Xtrovarts Visuals
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 17, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,200 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Nigeria
  • Country of Filming:
    France, Germany, Nigeria
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Shedrack Salami

Shedrack Salami is a documentary filmmaker, cinematographer, Video editor and visual artist driven by a deep passion for visual storytelling and inspiring change through his work. His journey into filmmaking stems from a lifelong love for visual expression, drawing from skills he has honed through various art forms.

In 2024, he was selected as one of four fellows from 120 applicants across Nigeria for the StoryMi Academy Documentary Film Fellowship, sponsored by the French Embassy in Nigeria, marking the start of his documentary filmmaking career. His producer and directorial debut, Beyond Olympic Glory, tells the story of Cynthia Ogunsemilore a young ambitious Nigerian female boxer from the slums of Bariga in Lagos, Nigeria. The film captures her journey of determination and resilience as she seeks to reclaim her future following a doping scandal that led to her suspension during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Sponsored by the French Embassy in Nigeria and supported by the StoryMi Academy, this emotionally driven documentary reflects Shedrack's talent for crafting emotionally driven narratives that inspire hope and shine a light on the human spirit's strength in the face of adversity.

Shedrack has worked on a number of documentaries including “Semblance Realism” about a young Nigerian artist who uses art to fund education for African children, “Telemedicine: Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Nigeria” as well as films about the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria and African traditional religion. He has collaborated with major international organizations like McKinsey, HISPASAT, AXESS Network, Wazima Health, Comitas Health, Samsung Mobile, TajBank, Tecno Mobile, and Nigerian Breweries.
He began his creative journey as a graphic designer in 2015 while studying Sociology at Kogi State University. In 2018, he transitioned to fine art, focusing on body art to address social issues like drug abuse, sexual violence, electoral malpractice, xenophobia, and COVID-19. His impactful works earned media recognition and the Hall of Fame award in 2019 as Kogi State’s most creative and versatile artist.

In 2020, Shedrack expanded into photography, capturing heartfelt stories across Nigeria. By 2021, he settled on a career in cinematography and video post-production, where he combined his artistic background and technical skills to create impactful films.
Through his work, he aims to inspire a new generation of African creatives. He believes in using film and art to challenge societal norms, foster empathy, and encourage people to become agents of transformation.

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Director Statement

"Beyond Olympic Glory" is not just a documentary about a boxer aiming for Olympic success; it's a story of the human spirit, resilience, and the determination to overcome life's toughest challenges. My goal as a filmmaker is to create work that challenges societal norms, fosters empathy, and inspires people to be agents of change. Cynthia Ogunsemilore’s journey reflects these values.

Living in the slums of Bariga, Lagos, Cynthia's story mirrors the struggles of many young people who have big dreams despite their harsh realities. Her pursuit is not just about winning medals; it's about breaking free from poverty, challenging stereotypes, and fighting for a better life. Every time Cynthia steps into the ring, she carries the hopes and dreams of her family and community. Her dedication and determination are relatable to anyone facing seemingly impossible obstacles.

The doping scandal in Cynthia's journey is more than just a setback; it's a turning point that reshapes her path. Instead of letting the incident crush her dreams, it becomes a catalyst for her transformation. Cynthia chooses to keep fighting, clear her name, and rebuild her career. Her response shows that real strength is about getting back up each time we fall.

As a director, I want to show that life is not defined by setbacks but by our response to them. Cynthia’s story encourages viewers to look beyond the surface of scandals and see the humanity and struggle of those involved. This film challenges society's quick judgments, urging us to understand and empathize with people who face public scrutiny.

"Beyond Olympic Glory" is a call to action for everyone to stand up for themselves, others, and the truth. Even when dreams are shattered, the journey to rebuild is just as meaningful. Cynthia's fight, both in the ring and in life, symbolizes the inner strength we all have, to rise above challenges and keep pursuing our dreams. This documentary is not only about sharing Cynthia's story; it's about inspiring people to believe in their own power to overcome obstacles and change their lives.

Through "Beyond Olympic Glory," I want to tell a story that showcases the strength of one remarkable woman and empowers viewers to find their own strength, challenge societal norms, and become agents of change in their own ways.