Jasper Aziegbemhin has reflected on the journey behind Idia, the Edo mythological horror film that recently earned four nominations at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF).
The film received nominations including Best African Drama, Best Thriller/Horror Film and Best Lead Actress for Linda Osifo.
Written and directed by Ese Ariremu and co-written and produced by Aziegbemhin under Golden Mhinutes Pictures Production, Idia follows a young girl whose arrival transforms her parents’ home into a place marked by devotion and fear.
Speaking with The Nollywood Reporter, Aziegbemhin described the project as both a personal and professional milestone, reflecting on how the film developed alongside his academic journey.
“At 24, while fighting to wrap up my final year of doctorate school, I co-wrote a script. At 25, we shot the film. At 26, we premiered across West African cinemas,” he said. “And now Idia, an Edo horror film, has scored four nominations at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival.”
Aziegbemhin, who completed his doctorate at the University of Benin, said balancing filmmaking with academic demands was challenging but strengthened his commitment to culturally rooted storytelling.
According to him, Idia draws from the Ehimwin phenomenon, which he described as a spiritual occurrence reflected across different cultures and traditions.
The producer also revealed that securing investment for the project proved difficult because horror films are often viewed as commercially risky within Nollywood.
Despite those concerns, he said the strength of the story convinced collaborators to commit to the project, adding that the cast and crew eventually became “a family” united by belief in the film.
Aziegbemhin also praised Linda Osifo’s performance in the film, noting that the actress embraced the opportunity to play the story’s antagonist.
“So to see her phenomenal portrayal being recognised is a producer’s prayer come true,” he said.
Released during Halloween 2025 and distributed by Silverbird Film Distribution, Idia grossed more than N25 million within its first three weeks in cinemas, becoming one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing horror titles of the year.
The film also received praise for its performances, cinematography and production design.
Although Idia did not secure nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Aziegbemhin said the TINFF recognition remains meaningful for both him and the team behind the project.
“Producing and executing a project at a theatrical level is no easy feat,” he said. “Taking a horror film to the big screen at 26, especially as your debut produced feature, was a humbling learning curve.”
He added that the nominations represent a broader recognition of emerging filmmakers pushing creative boundaries within Nollywood.
“I’m celebrating today; a good story, actors who give their all to become something else, and an emerging industry of young creatives who are putting forth stories that defy the norm,” he said.
