Through Boxonia Blueprint, Wingonia Ikpi is redefining Nollywood’s production model by merging storytelling, structure, and talent development into one creative ecosystem.
Wingonia Ikpi Builds a New Model for Nollywood Production and Talent Management
Production is the backbone of any film — a process that requires careful planning before, during, and after execution. While many studios focus solely on this technical side, Boxonia Blueprint is taking a different path. The studio, founded by filmmaker Wingonia Ikpi, integrates production and talent management, ensuring that stories are told with both creative precision and sustainable structure.
Established in 2019, before Ikpi’s stint as a content development producer at FilmOne Studios, Boxonia Blueprint was born from her belief that talent development is just as crucial as production and distribution. “Boxonia Blueprint started at first as a space that wanted to support the cinema industry,” Ikpi says. “We took a brief hiatus in 2024 to restrategize and think about how to support the current needs of the industry.”
In this conversation with The Nollywood Reporter, Ikpi discusses how Boxonia Blueprint is evolving into a force within Nollywood, the projects shaping its identity, and her journey as a filmmaker.
Ikpi has worn many hats in the industry — from producing Bank Alert to serving as line producer on Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper and Flawsome. Her filmmaking journey began on social media, where she wrote short skits before transitioning to television series such as Halita and Tinsel. Eventually, she ventured into directing with her debut short film, Otana.
“I started Boxonia Blueprint with a couple of friends,” she recalls. “After the short film, I got into the Native Filmworks program, which called for directors to make a film.”
That film, The Lost Days, became a defining project in her career. “Before the film came in, I developed myself as a director and producer,” Ikpi says. “The experience made me appreciate my passions and led me back to the drawing board — Boxonia Blueprint in 2024.”
That new phase, called Vision 2.0, marked the studio’s shift toward combining production and talent management. “What we want to do is tell authentic, audacious, and exportable African stories that speak to both local and international audiences,” she explains. “We believe African stories are bold, flavorful, and colorful.”
This approach is reflected in Boxonia’s lineup of projects — The Lost Days, Son of the Soil, and Nollybabes. “Our tagline, ‘action everywhere,’ speaks to our range across categories and genres. We also want to bridge the gap between art-house and commercial filmmaking.”
Talent management remains a central pillar of Boxonia Blueprint. “We believe in the strength of our talents, which is why we take management seriously,” Ikpi says. “Transparency and stewardship are part of our core values. We’re passionate, driven, and committed to exporting African stories to a global audience. Currently, we’re in the investment phase and looking toward expansion.”
Among Boxonia’s standout works is The Lost Days, Ikpi’s feature directorial debut, which earned her a nomination for Best Debut Feature Film at the 2025 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and another for Achievement in Costume Design. The film features impressive ensemble performances from Ifeoma Fafunwa, Bimbo Manuel, Baaj Adebule, Cynthia Clarke, and Durotimi Okutagidi.
“Being a director has been everything I imagined and more,” she says. “I’ve learned to listen more and let the story lead. It’s important to protect your story but also know when to take feedback.”
For The Lost Days, Ikpi developed a 125-page treatment and collaborated closely with her cinematographer and production heads. “Working with people who understand the vision helps bring it to life,” she notes. “It was important for me to create a world so immersive that once you enter, you leave everything else behind.”
Ikpi’s directing process is grounded in clarity and collaboration. “Whenever I’m on set, I have something I call the director’s holy grail — a day-to-day guide,” she explains. “I listen to the cast and crew, study things around me, and draw inspiration from what I read or watch. Producing and directing are two sides of the same coin; they just face different directions. I like to fly with my team.”
Another major project from Boxonia Blueprint is Son of the Soil, an action drama that won three awards at the Black Star International Film Festival 2025. Directed by Chee Keong Cheung, the film follows Zion, a former Special Ops soldier on a quest for justice after his sister’s death. It stars Razaaq Adoti, Ireti Doyle, Patience Ozokwor, Sharon Rotimi, Taye Arimoro, and Sunshine Rosman. The film will premiere in Lagos at AFRIFF this November, ahead of its cinema release on November 21, 2025.
Boxonia’s upcoming short film, Nollybabes, directed by Anu Bamidele, explores the Y2K era and the challenges faced by female actors. “The story comes from a personal place,” Ikpi notes. “The director has gone through similar experiences.” The film features Uzoamaka Power, Tomi Ojo, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, and Taye Arimoro.
“One of the highlights of Nollybabes is its sound,” Ikpi adds. “We need more support from other industries, especially music, because there aren’t effective regulations when it comes to using Afrobeats in films.”
The film follows an aspiring actress, Tiwa (Uzoamaka Power), and her friends, who, after facing rejection from a male director, decide to create their own film. It promises a nostalgic take filled with early Nollywood vibes, and its trailer will be released soon.
Nollybabes will soon begin its festival circuit, an important phase for short films. Sharing advice for filmmakers, Ikpi says: “When you want to make a short film, first think about distribution. Research festivals and make films that align with their requirements.”
Outside filmmaking, Ikpi finds relaxation in watching her favorite shows. “I’m currently watching Bon Appétit; Your Majesty, Seven, Beauty in Black, and Twelve Angry Men,” she says.
With her growing body of work and commitment to nurturing talent, Wingonia Ikpi is steadily establishing herself as one of Nollywood’s most focused and multifaceted filmmakers. Her ability to balance storytelling, structure, and talent management reflects the kind of innovation that continues to move the industry forward.