Nigerian director Uche Chukwu has opened up about his creative process and the journey of taking Njem from the festival circuit to Nigerian cinemas.
Produced by Abazee Productions in association with Camp Five Studios, the thriller stars Kelechi Udegbe, Abayomi Olukanmi, Tomi Ojo, Chimezie Imo, Rotimi Salami, and Goodness Emmanuel. The film will be distributed by Cinemax and is set for release on July 24.
Speaking exclusively with The Nollywood Reporter (TNR), Chukwu says he is drawn to stories rooted in African experiences and the realities that shape people’s lives. “So when I received the screenplay for Njem, I was excited to embark on what would become an intensely creative journey of bringing the film to life.”
He explains that he reworked the script, refined its structure and characters, and assembled what he describes as some of Africa’s finest creative talents to bring the story to the screen.
The film was shot in a beach community on the outskirts of Lagos, with several locations built specifically for the production. At one point, the production team even installed streetlights across the community to create the world the story required.
Reflecting on the cast, Chukwu describes the experience as rewarding, noting that he had previously worked with many of the actors. He says extensive pre-production sessions allowed them to explore each character’s motivations, relationships, emotional journey, and overall arc before filming began.
Njem premiered at AFRIFF 2024 to a standing ovation, a reception Chukwu describes as a gratifying affirmation of the work invested in the film.
Now preparing for its theatrical release, he hopes audiences will connect with both its suspense and emotional depth. According to him, the film explores the consequences of choices long after they are made.
“It’s a film that takes you on an emotional and thought-provoking journey, challenging you to reflect deeply on the choices we make in life and the consequences they carry long after the moment has passed.”
Chukwu adds that filmmaking remains one of the most fulfilling parts of his career because every project pushes him creatively, mentally, and physically.
“Every project challenges me to push beyond my previous limits to discover how far I can stretch my creativity, my discipline, and my endurance. Each film asks something new of my body, my mind, and my soul, and that’s what keeps the journey endlessly fulfilling.”
