Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunri resume 12-film project with ‘Kill Boro’

Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions have resumed their ‘First Features‘ film initiative.

The crew is returning to set for the shoot of ‘Kill Boro’, a project currently filming in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Spearheaded by the filmmakers Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri, the ‘First Features’ provides training, mentorship, and funding for the production of debut feature films by emerging voices within the Nigerian film industry.

‘Kill Boro’ is an addition to the ‘First Features’ initiative’s 12-film slate and is being directed by Courage Obayuwana.

Gukas said ‘Kill Boro’ marks the continuation of the initiative’s mission to empower emerging filmmakers.

“It reflects our unwavering commitment to elevating Nigerian cinema by nurturing emerging talents with top-tier industry expertise,” the filmmaker, who is known for works like ’93 Days’ and ‘A Place in The Stars’, said.

The ‘First Features’ project’s mentorship programme enlisted renowned industry professionals, including John Demps, Antonio Ribeiro, Tolu Ajayi, Cristina Aragon, George Kallis, and Steve Gukas.

These experts, the organisers said, are to provide invaluable insights into the intricacies of film and television production, equipping emerging directors with the skills necessary to direct feature-length films.

‘First Features’ achieved its first milestone in 2022 with the release of ‘Cake‘, a film directed by Prosper Edesiri.

Ahead of an October 2023 release, ‘First Features’ has concluded production on ‘Love & Life’, a gripping drama directed by Reuben Reng that stars Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chidi Mokeme, and Michelle Dede.

Dotun Olakunri, co-founder of the initiative, said: “Our objective with First Features is to bolster the talent pool in Nollywood. We believe investing in the next wave of filmmakers is essential for the industry’s continued growth.”