An indigenous film production company, Trino Studios, is set to release ‘The Encounter’, a short film centred on a conversation between Biafra’s Commander-in-Chief, Emeka Ojukwu, and Emmanuel Ifeajuna, before the latter was executed for treason.
This was disclosed in a Friday press briefing held at The Moorhouse hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Set in 1967, The Encounter tells the story of a courageous, de-tribalised Nigerian man who paid the supreme sacrifice for the cause he believed in.
According to the producer, Ekene Mekwunye, the short film is an attempt to bring the story of the fearless Ifeajuna into limelight, considering that history has been less than fair to him.
This was buttressed by Henry Onyema, on whose original story of the same title the film was based.
Onyema, a historian and school teacher, said he was moved to write about the travails of Ifeajuna, who, though a brilliant man had received negative representation of his role in the first coup of January 1966 and the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War.
He added that his research showed that Ifeajuna was not only a great sportsman, but also a great family man.
According to a statement by Trino studios, “The film captures the remarkable story of a moment in the history of the nation and how the events that transpired helped in determining what Nigeria is today.
“Set in 1967 during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, an imprisoned Ifeajuna is summoned by Biafran Commander-in-Chief General Emeka for one last conversation – one last encounter.
“The Encounter goes a step further by not only addressing a highly significant issue of the time through seamless storytelling; the film entertains, educates and also informs the audience on the importance and value of Nigerian history by delving into the subject matter and dissecting and analysing the roles played by pivotal historic personalities.
“The two defining characters in the short film are critically juxtaposed in order to depict the tension that was characteristic of the time. Their ensuing conversation causes the audience to engage in meaningful reflection.”
The role of the main characters General Emeka and Emmanuel Ifeajuna were played by Gregory Ojefua and Amara Onoh respectively. The film was directed by Tolu Ajayi, produced by Ekene Mekwunye and the screenplay by Sammy Egbemawei.
Trino studios said it would make the short film available online for everyone to download and enjoy.