Nigerian actor and filmmaker Ezekiel Abayomi is set to make his screenwriting debut with Òfè (Whistle), an upcoming one-character experimental short film.
Abayomi confirmed the project in an interview with The Nollywood Reporter on Sunday, noting that the film draws from Yoruba cultural beliefs surrounding whistling.
“Whistle in Yoruba is Òfè. Growing up, we’ve all heard a lot of things, both from elders and other children, about whistling. Don’t whistle at night, don’t whistle in the afternoon, or a snake will find you, or a spirit might appear,” he said.
He explained that his curiosity about these beliefs informed the film’s premise, particularly the tension between scepticism and cultural conditioning.
“Maybe they are not real, but then again, what if they are?” he added.
Developed in collaboration with director Taiwo Ayodeji, Òfè (Whistle) explores themes of fear, belief, and the unknown through a minimalist, character-driven narrative.
According to Abayomi, the transition from acting to writing felt natural, as he was already attached to the project as a performer.
“I decided to build it out fully, giving the character a voice, a perspective, and a world,” he said.
On distribution, Abayomi noted that plans are still under consideration, given the experimental nature of the film.
“We want to see how it comes together first before deciding the best path forward. Festivals are definitely an option, but we are keeping things open for now,” he said.
Òfè (Whistle) joins a growing number of Nigerian productions that engage with myth and cultural belief in contemporary storytelling.