Writer-director Chioma Paul-Dike’s horror short Dreams explores the power of dreams and how they can seep into reality, drawing on the mysticism, myths and spirituality that shape how many Nigerians experience horror.
The film follows a young woman who moves into her husband’s new home, only to find herself haunted by an evil spirit that invades both her dreams and waking life.
Speaking with The Nollywood Reporter, Paul-Dike said the idea for Dreams grew out of a lifelong fascination with the subject, shaped by growing up in a deeply spiritual household where dreams were taken seriously while also encountering people who dismissed them entirely.
According to her, that contrast became the emotional foundation of the story.
Paul-Dike also drew from her own experiences.
“I once had a nightmare that unsettled me for days,” she said, adding that she still remembers it vividly and occasionally feels a lingering unease whenever she thinks about it.
She explained that experiences like that convinced her dreams can shape people’s emotions long after they wake up, making them a natural entry point for the film’s horror.
Looking beyond her personal experience, Paul-Dike believes dreams hold a unique place in African horror storytelling because of the continent’s enduring relationship with mysticism and spirituality.
“What really happens when a terrifying dream begins to manifest in real life?”
Discussing the casting process, Paul-Dike revealed that she had known lead actress Onyinye Odokoro for years but had never had the opportunity to work with her before Dreams. While writing the screenplay, she found herself repeatedly imagining Odokoro in the role and ultimately felt she was the right person to bring the character to life.
The filmmaker also cited her love for horror as a major creative influence, recalling that she grew up watching classics such as Karashika and Child’s Play, experiences that helped shape her approach to the genre.
Dreams premiered at AFRIFF 2023 and stars Onyinye Odokoro, Kelechi Udegbe and Amanda Oruh.
