The “For Maria Ebun Pataki” director revives a long-awaited project about Nigerian women and family burden.
Principal photography has begun on Damilola Orimogunje’s latest feature, “Dear Ajayi,” a project the award-winning filmmaker says has been in development since 2017.
Orimogunje, known for the acclaimed drama “For Maria Ebun Pataki,” takes on dual roles as director and producer under his 2o9ine Films banner.
In a social media post announcing the shoot, he described the film as “eight years in the making,” underscoring the emotional weight and time behind the long-anticipated production.
While plot specifics remain under wraps, “Dear Ajayi” is described as a deeply personal narrative centered on Nigerian women who silently carry the burdens of family life.
The project features an ensemble of veteran and emerging talents including Tosin Adeyemi, Bimbo Akintola, Uzomaka Power, William Benson, Lanre Hassan, Michelle Dede, Antar Laniyan, Tope Tedela, Chioma Omeruah, Baaj Adebule, Kalu Ikeagwu, and Iya Rainbow.
“Dear Ajayi” is a co-production between Depth and Optics Productions and GAME Productions, the latter led by celebrated filmmaker Bose Oshin.
Orimogunje gained widespread recognition for his directorial debut, “For Maria Ebun Pataki,” a quiet yet powerful portrait of postpartum depression that premiered at Film Africa in 2020.
The film won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature and earned six Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nominations.
“Dear Ajayi” is scheduled for release in 2026.