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Ima'mi

Ima’mi is a powerful queer historical drama set in the Efik Empire of Calabar, Southern Nigeria. It follows the forbidden love between a Crown Prince and his royal guard—an obsession that threatens tradition, duty, and the future of the kingdom.

Inspired by true events and untold queer histories in African cultures, Ima’mi blends history, oral tradition, and imagination. Through rich storytelling, stunning Efik culture, and the secretive Ekpe masquerade clan, the film brings to life a love story that history tried to erase.

More than just a film, Ima’mi is a journey of identity, love, and defiance.

  • Godwin Harrison
    Director
    Happy ending, orgasm
  • Godwin Harrison
    Writer
    Happy ending, broken rainbow, orgasm
  • Gabriel McWilliams Ekpekhiro
    Producer
  • Maryann Apollo
    Key Cast
    "ObongAnwan"
  • Elijah Daniels
    Key Cast
    "Kokoeteh Ukpong"
  • Daerego Ekine
    Key Cast
    "Prince Henshaw Archibong "
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Ima'mi (My Love)
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 41 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 9, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nigeria
  • Country of Filming:
    Nigeria
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Godwin Harrison

Godwin Harrison is a 30-year-old Nigerian filmmaker, film activist, and CEO of HUG Media Concept, based in Abuja, Nigeria. His career began in screenwriting in 2008, and he transitioned to film production in 2017. Known for using cinema as a platform for advocacy, he focuses on stories of underrepresented groups, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community, and promotes African mythology and cultural representation. His films blend history, oral tradition, and imagination, with a strong emphasis on authenticity and advocacy.

Key Milestones:

1. Breakthrough Film: His first film, Broken Rainbow, received significant attention and opened doors for his advocacy-centered projects.

2. Major Accomplishments:

Directed Orgasm, a 14-minute short film made on a 100k naira budget, which sold for a six-figure amount in naira and currently on gaybingetv.

Produced Happy Ending, a story about male rape, screened in Kenya, Burundi, and the British Film Institute.

3. Recent Work: His recent film, Ima'mi, centers on a queer royal love story set in the Efik Empire of Calabar and draws heavily from his personal experiences, including being outed in 2017 as a prince of Calabar.

Harrison's films have been showcased at prominent venues, including the British Film Institute, the German Embassy of Tourism, and various international festivals. Despite challenges like working under Nigeria's strict laws against LGBTQIA+ content, Harrison remains a pioneering voice for queer representation and cultural advocacy in African cinema.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Ima'mi" is a narrative deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Efik Empire in Calabar, Southern Nigeria. Through this story, I aim to illuminate Efik traditions while exploring complex themes of identity, power, and forbidden love within a royal setting. At its core, "Ima'mi" is an intimate portrayal of a young Crown Prince who, while navigating his royal obligations, finds himself drawn to a palace guard, an obsession that defies the expectations of his station.

The story unfolds within the rich landscape of Efik customs and aesthetics. I seek to immerse audiences in the Empire's traditions through cultural elements such as traditional foods, the elegance of Efik dress, and the captivating mystique of the Ekpe masquerade clan. This choice reflects my commitment to highlighting Nigerian cultures that are often underrepresented on screen, particularly in queer narratives.

As a queer filmmaker in Nigeria, I recognize the challenges of telling such stories in a country where LGBTQIA+ rights remain repressed. This film, therefore, is both a celebration of love and resilience and a daring act of advocacy. My goal is to contribute to a broader movement of African cinema that gives voice to marginalized stories, pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes while staying true to cultural roots.

"Ima'mi" is not just a film but a declaration: of the beauty of African heritage, the resilience of love, and the power of stories that dare to be different. Through this narrative, I aim to open minds, create dialogue, and continue my commitment to visibility for Nigerian sexual minorities, hoping to inspire empathy and understanding across borders.