Ofili’s Shaping Us makes history at TINFF 2024, gets 10 nominations

By Daniel Anazia

In a remarkable debut, self-taught filmmaker, Kambili Ofili, has taken the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2024 by storm. Her first-ever film, Shaping Us, a drama exploring the complexities of family, identity and resilience has garnered an astounding 10 nominations, including: Best Drama, Best Film – Nollywood, Best First Film – International, Best Film – Africa Diaspora, Best Actress Nollywood film – Kambili Ofili, Best Actress African film – Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Best Supporting Actress – Omowunmi Dada, Best Actor African film – Floyd Igbo, Best Actor International film – Bucci Franklin and Best Supporting Actor African film – James Gardiner.

Kambili’s unique directorial vision, combined with the raw emotional depth of the story, has made Shaping Us a standout at TINFF 2024.

The TINFF is a Canadian Screen Awards qualifying festival, making Shaping Us eligible for potential nominations at Canada’s most prestigious film awards.

Kambili, a self-taught filmmaker, bursts onto the scene with this feature debut, Shaping Us. A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that challenges conventional norms, the film captures the beauty and intricacy of life’s mosaic. Her creative journey embodies her mission to break stigmas around starting new chapters.

With no prior industry experience, Kambili fearlessly embarked on the journey of bringing her script’s vision to life, successfully directing and acting simultaneously, a feat rarely attempted, let alone achieved in a debut film.

The Lagos-born, London-raised writer-director channels her passion, diverse life experiences and commitment to truth in delivering a once-in-a-lifetime production and performance, leaving it all on the line: Her passion and commitment to truth shine through in every frame of Shaping Us.

“It’s a celebration of the human experience, a heartfelt exploration of relationships, emotions, and self-discovery on the backdrop of navigating the nuanced journey of parenthood. As a filmmaker, I’ve drawn from my own observations and personal connections to craft an authentic narrative that invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys of shaping and being shaped by life,” the film director said.

The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Bucci Franklin, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Omowunmi Dada, James Gardiner, Floyd Igbo, Jordan Bangoji and a surprise cameo from Lasisi Elenu, who delivers exceptional performances.

“A rare feat by an outstanding talent,” is the way most film enthusiasts have described Shaping Us, the trailblazing debut by the talented filmmaker Kambili.

The film, which has continued to make waves and garner encomiums, is indeed a remarkable piece of creativity.

“I poured my heart and soul into this film, and I’m incredibly humbled by the recognition it has received,” Kambili told an appreciative audience.

She continued: “I hope Shaping Us will spark conversations and empathy around often stigmatised topics and make viewers navigating these situations in their real lives feel seen and understood.”

After years of trying, Ara and Biodun are finally pregnant. On the night the couple hosts their friends for a celebratory dinner, guilt-ridden Ara gets the results of the paternity test she ordered, setting off an explosion of drama.

Kambili

From this short synopsis, the film delves into lives of six close friends as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of adulthood. It tackles themes of infertility, postpartum depression, divorce, and the enduring power of friendship.

From all aspects of filmmaking to completing an ultra marathon in 2023 to raise money for children with autism, Kambili now sets her sights on releasing a music album with a free floating concert planned in London, UK, on July 21. The Lagos-born, London-raised writer-director channels her passion, diverse life experiences, and commitment to truth in every endeavor, leaving it all on the line.

Kambili’s production company, Clear Skies Films & Production is a black and woman-led film production company with a mission to showcase relatable and diverse African stories using high-quality cinema. The company is committed to producing films that transcend stereotypes and inspire change.