Obi Emelonye Explores Igbo Culture in New Epic Film “Out of Breath”

In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Nigerian director Obi Emelonye provided insights into his latest cinematic project “Out of Breath,” a new Igbo epic film that unflinchingly examines controversial cultural practices.

While remaining tight-lipped on specific plot details, Emelonye made clear his intentions to contribute an authentic, powerful Igbo voice to the growing interest in native Nigerian language films on streaming platforms.

“Out of Breath” consolidates the growing interest in films made in native Nigerian languages on streaming platforms in an effort to challenge the Yoruba language domination of that genre with a powerful Igbo voice, according to Emelonye.

The film confronts the historical tradition among some Igbo communities of burying living slaves along with their masters upon death – a custom Emelonye aims to critically examine through his storytelling.

“We have to be bold enough to hold the practices of the present and the past to scrutiny, not just to criticize or make them pale into inferiority when compared to European customs, but to dialectically critique them, celebrate the good and call out the bad,” the director explained.

While inspired by real anthropological accounts, Emelonye clarified “Out of Breath” is a fictionalized narrative intended to dramatically depict the human experiences surrounding this burial rite rather than present a strictly historical account.

“As my involvement covers all aspects of the filmmaking process, I am able to deliver a film that does not claim to be faithful to history, but one which honors the past events upon which it is based; while respecting present day audiences,” he said.

Emelonye, whose pioneering 2020 film “Heart 2 Heart” was the first produced remotely over Zoom, sees “Out of Breath” as part of his ongoing mission to showcase Igbo stories and culture to global audiences in an authentic yet accessible way.

“This is not the first time I am making a film completely in Igbo,” Emelonye stated, citing his desire to strategically connect stories “umbilically” to his people and heritage.

Beyond simply recreating history, the filmmaker hopes his work can play a vital role in dissecting and potentially updating certain societal norms through increased Cultural representation.

“Film has a very important role in putting a mirror in front of society to start the soul-searching required for change to happen,” Emelonye proclaimed. “This role is not just to single out the beauty of traditions and celebrate them. It is also to question the morality, humanity and fairness of different aspects of custom.”

While no release date has been set, the director teased that the “epic” “Out of Breath” is just the start of his efforts to put “film at the heart of our socio-cultural essence” through daring storytelling that informs and challenges audiences.

Check out the trailer here