Director Adenike Adebayo-Esho is preparing for the release of Tele x Zikora, a campus-based romantic drama currently in post-production after wrapping filming in mid-May 2026 following a 16-day cross-continent shoot.
The film follows two intersecting lives on a university campus, exploring romance, friendship, conflict, and the dynamics of young adult life. It is scheduled to hit cinemas later in 2026.
The project features Mike Afolarin and Genoveva Umeh in lead roles as Tele and Zikora, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Olumide Oworu, Toluwani George, Gbubemi Ejeye, Chimezie Imo, Kanaga Emmanuel, and Tomi Ojo. It is presented by Imagine Media and May Day Studios.
Speaking in a brief interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Adebayo-Esho says the idea for the film emerged unexpectedly after completing a different project. She explains that the story came at a point when she had already moved on creatively from her previous concept.
“God is my source. I don’t say this to be cliché, but I truly mean it,” she says. “A year ago, I had a completely different story I wanted to tell. It wasn’t until I completed that story and let it go that I received the inspiration for Tele x Zikora.”
She describes the project as one she is deeply excited about, both in terms of its narrative and performances. According to her, the film is designed to offer audiences a compelling emotional experience.
“I love this story,” she says. “Like every project I am involved in, I am incredibly excited about this one, and I believe audiences should be excited too because they are in for a treat in terms of the story and performances.”
Beyond storytelling, Adebayo-Esho says the team is intentionally building the film as an experience rather than just a conventional viewing. She explains that the goal is to create a project that encourages repeat viewing and shared audience engagement.
“In terms of what we are currently doing with the film, we are curating an experience for the audience where they would love to watch it over and over, where they want to drag people to rewatch it with them,” she says. “This isn’t a movie, it is an experience.”
As anticipation builds toward its release, Tele x Zikora positions itself as a campus drama focused not only on youthful relationships but also on how audiences connect with stories in contemporary cinema.
