Many filmmakers begin by telling stories rooted in what they have seen and lived through, or in the experiences of people close to them. These stories often feel familiar because they reflect real struggles and choices. For Ella Chikezie, this approach shaped In Her Shoes, her debut short film, which examines silence, discrimination, and agency through the story of an autistic teenage girl navigating a society that does not always make room for difference.
The short film which has been screened at local and international festivals and received several accolades, including Best Short Film and Best Female Representation in Film at the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 is inspired by Chikezie’s desire to challenge harmful stereotypes, particularly those faced by autistic individuals, women, and children.
“When I was in university, I volunteered with an NGO supporting people living with autism, and I witnessed firsthand the stigma, ignorance, and mistreatment they often faced. That experience stayed with me,” she says.
In this interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Chikezie discusses how she fell in love with filmmaking, the kinds of stories she hopes to tell, and how In Her Shoes became her way of lending her voice to conversations around child marriage.
Her opportunity to make the film came after attending a producers’ workshop on using entertainment to address gender-based violence, organised by Tricom Productions with support from the Ford Foundation. “We were asked to pitch a story, and I teamed up with my creative partner, Precious Iroagalachi. In Her Shoes was selected as one of the winning projects, and we received funding to bring it to life. It felt like the right story to tell first—one that truly mattered to me.”
The film has since received recognition both within and outside Nigeria, something Chikezie says has been humbling. “Knowing that the film resonates with people across different cultures has been deeply encouraging,” she says. “We made the film with a lot of love, care, and intention, always aiming to tell the story from a human and honest perspective. Seeing it embraced in this way has been inspiring for both the team and me as a storyteller.”
In Her Shoes follows Halima, played by Darasimi Nadi, an autistic teenager who challenges her father’s silence and pushes him to fight for her right to be herself. Chikezie says she had Nadi in mind for the role from the outset. “Even while working on the pitch deck, I knew Darasimi was Halima. I had worked with her before on Tokunbo, and I was struck by her sensitivity, curiosity, intelligence, and openness as a child actor. She embodied everything Halima needed to be.”
Casting the other roles was handled through an open call, with a strong focus on authenticity. “Nadia Dutch stood out immediately because of how grounded her audition was. For Ishaya’s role, we needed someone who could ride a motorcycle and speak Hausa convincingly, and he fit perfectly.”
Chikezie approached the portrayal of autism, neurodivergence, and mental health with careful research and sensitivity. “I wanted audiences to see autistic individuals as human first—capable of feeling, dreaming, understanding, and expressing themselves, even if they do so differently,” she says. “By focusing on Halima’s inner world and resilience, we aimed to move away from stereotypes and portray her with dignity and honesty.”
For Chikezie, one of the most rewarding aspects of making In Her Shoes was collaborating with people close to her. “I was surrounded by friends and collaborators who genuinely believed in the story and gave their best, people like Wini, Chiagoziem, Michelle, Chris, Kema, and many members of the crew. My brother, Orlee Miles, was also a constant source of support.”
She describes the experience as special, but not without its challenges. “Casting Ishaya was difficult because of the specific requirements. Managing crowds on set was another issue, especially during the classroom scene, when a local football match caused disruptions. We had to adapt quickly and complete the shoot before things escalated. Those moments tested us, but they also strengthened the team.”
Through the film, Chikezie hopes audiences, particularly those who see themselves in Halima, feel seen. “Their struggles matter. I hope the film reassures them that they are loved and that there are people working toward a more inclusive and compassionate society where they can belong.”
Chikezie’s interest in filmmaking began in childhood, influenced by writers such as Shakespeare, Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as well as Nigerian television classics like Papa Ajasco, Fuji House of Commotion, and Superstory. “I was fascinated by how stories came to life on screen,” she says. “That clarity came during university when my mentor, Michelle Dede, encouraged me to apply for a screenwriting workshop by Victor Sanchez called Baking Bread. That experience confirmed that film was where I belonged.”
In Her Shoes marks Chikezie’s narrative directorial debut after working in television and documentary filmmaking. “My understanding of visual language has evolved,” she notes. “Not every story is told the same way, and not every story is meant for me to tell.”
Looking ahead, Chikezie plans to continue the film’s festival run. She also mentions being contacted by a professor in Israel interested in screening the film for university students. In addition, she is developing new projects, including short films, feature films, and a series in partnership with ThatAfrikan Productions, led by Celestina Aleobua.