Nigerian filmmaker Ugochukwu Azuya says the selection of his upcoming feature project I Live in V.I. for the 2026 Locarno Open Doors programme offers an important development platform for the film, which he describes as a surreal social satire set in contemporary Lagos.
The project, produced by Olubunmi Ogunsola and directed by Azuya, is among six African projects selected for this year’s edition of the Open Doors initiative, part of the Locarno Film Festival industry programme running from August 5 to 10, 2026.
The Locarno Open Doors initiative supports emerging filmmakers from Africa through its Projects, Producers, and Directors programmes, with this year’s selection bringing together voices working across fiction, documentary, and experimental cinema from more than ten countries.
Speaking with The Nollywood Reporter, Azuya described I Live in V.I. as a social class satire rooted in Lagos realities.
“It’s a psychedelic trip that explores our deeply classist society and the ‘fake life’ mentality that arises as a symptom of this inequality,” he says.
Reflecting on the selection, Azuya said the opportunity aligns with the philosophy behind his filmmaking collective.
“Our mission at ENSEMBLE is to develop films adversarial to the practices of the current Nollywood system and Open Doors aligns with this.”
“My producing partner Olubunmi Ogunsola and I are honored to be participating in this year’s Locarno Open Doors programme. The programme so far has been rigorous and nurturing, for which we remain grateful,” he adds.
Nigeria’s presence at the 2026 Open Doors extends beyond the Projects programme. Producer David Ikeata of Vox Cinematic Films was also selected for the Producers programme, which supports emerging producers in building sustainable careers and cross-border networks.
Other selected projects include Too Much Music by Aseye Fiagbe, Chapa 100 by Lara Sousa and Ique Lang, Accept My Plea for Burial by Mohammed Sheikh and Kadir Harbi Hassan, The Ones with the Tempered Flowers by Neema Ngelime and Ivy Kiru, and A Vineyard for a Lobster by Talemwa Pius and Gashumba Emmanuel.
The Open Doors programme is a co-production and talent development initiative that offers mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and industry sessions for filmmakers from underserved regions.
