Experiencing Interruptions?

The RECKONING

A lie is the truth that cannot hide. One short film, four stories. A mind-bending tale brings four scenarios to life as four Nigerians minding their own business suddenly watch a perfectly good day become their worst nightmare. So fast. What would you do: truth or lie?

Produced in just 30 days with a budget of under $50 (yes, one zero!) per story, The RECKONING is EbonyLife’s first and award-winning anthology.

Created and produced entirely by a team of young students from the 2024 Intake 2 of EbonyLife Creative Academy (ELCA), this film showcases the emerging talents and new voices from Lagos, Nigeria. ELCA, birthed by Africa's iconic female filmmaker Mo Abudu, is supported by the Lagos State Government and Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI).

Long before its release, the RECKONING won 4 awards during a private screening at EbonyLife Cinemas in July 2024. It was also described as “a work of art and heart” by its first 100 viewers.

  • Omotilewa Odeyemi
    Director
    The Undoing (The Reckoning anthology), DAPO, Bored, The Mind, Not All, The Arm, Who Are You?, Tick Time
  • Toba Obafemi
    Director
    The Undoing (The Reckoning anthology), Long Walk to Forever, Fever, Wake Up
  • Stephen Benjamin
    Director
    Tick Tock (The Reckoning anthology), DAPO, Behind Stone, Log in the Eyes, Choice, Hauwa
  • Rafiu Motunrayo
    Director
    Tick Tock (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Lorrita Offordum
    Director
    Before Dawn (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Amajuoritse Enemiku
    Director
    Before Dawn (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Moses Oderinde
    Director
    Dirty Date (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Kemi Owadara
    Director
    Dirty Date (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Valerie Onafowokan
    Writer
    The Undoing (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Rachael Adesina
    Writer
    Before Dawn (The Reckoning anthology)
  • David Ewodage
    Writer
    Dirty Date (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Onosetale Phyl-Arhedo
    Writer
    Tick Tock (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Aniwura Omolade Omolayo
    Producer
    DAPO, The Undoing (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Ajibola Olakonu (Dr B)
    Producer
    A Basket Full of Roses, The Undoing (The Reckoning anthology), DAPO, Success Power, Voice of Change
  • Tolulope Adekunle
    Producer
    Before Dawn (The Reckoning anthology), The Village, Between Cards & Wrath, Dibaje (Rotten), Missing Ticket, Whispers in the Dark
  • Mariam Obaijoko
    Producer
    Dirty Date (The Reckoning anthology), Letter to You, Ceceeca, with commercials for Itel, Budweiser
  • Oyinpreye Joseph
    Producer
    Tick Tock (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Omasanjuwa Atiene
    Producer
    Dirty Date (The Reckoning anthology), Wire Wire, Saro The Musical, Leaving Ikorodu in 1999, Style Magnate, Asoebi Diaries, Dust to Dreams, with Bet9ja commercials
  • Rebecca Isi Imafidon
    Producer
    Tick Tock (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Ijeoma Onuoha
    Producer
    Before Dawn (The Reckoning anthology)
  • Lilian Mbadugha
    Key Cast
    "Iyanu"
  • Chris Shokoya
    Key Cast
    "Damien"
  • Yomi Orimadegun
    Key Cast
    "Kole Roberts"
  • Esther Kujore
    Key Cast
    "Detective Bimbo"
  • Wilfred Chinonso
    Key Cast
    "Daniel"
  • Noble Emmanuel
    Key Cast
    "Victor"
  • Chinnie Ibeh
    Key Cast
    "Abigail"
  • Osas Okonjon
    Key Cast
    "Daniella"
  • Edward Adeferanmi
    Key Cast
    "Dr Rozart"
  • Matthew Jonathan Oluwamayowa
    Key Cast
    "Darka"
  • Akpovwovwo Emetekefe
    Key Cast
    "Sarida"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Horror, Mindbending, Drama, Thriller, Sci-fi
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nigeria
  • Country of Filming:
    Nigeria
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Ebonylife Creative Academy
  • Lagos
    Nigeria
    July 17, 2024
    Ebonylife Cinema Premiere
    Official Selection, Best Set Design, Best Color Grading, Best Film Music, and Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Director - Omotilewa Odeyemi, Toba Obafemi, Stephen Benjamin, Rafiu Motunrayo, Lorrita Offordum, Amajuoritse Enemiku, Moses Oderinde, Kemi Owadara