Ema Edosio Deelen

2 weeks to Locarno: When Nigeria Happens opens Open Doors! From this time last year, filming When Nigeria Happens on the streets of Lagos, chasing light, dodging traffic and capturing truth, to a global stage. Grateful to all who poured their hearts into this film and so proud!

In Nigeria, they say festivals are just for show, but I know better. From Kasala!, and now WNH, I see that festivals open doors, build legacy, and place our voices on the global stage. This is why I keep building and doing what I do how I do it. Full video shorturl.at/5bzSb

Actors go register for my masterclass. I’ll be teaching global casting strategies, providing tools you need to move your career from local to global. Use the LALA50 code to get a discount. I’m really looking forward to it.

Still taking it all in. When Nigeria Happens becomes the first Nigerian film to open Locarno’s Open Doors section. Made with grit, love & little means, this win is for every creative daring to dream. Grateful! Continue reading more of the articles here linktr.ee/emaedosio

Lots of gratitude in my heart today as I share the When Nigeria Happens trailer. Thank you to everyone who poured into this. Filmmaking in Nigeria is tough, but we keep showing up. Today, I celebrate all the creatives pushing through. This one is for all of us.

Not every story has to shout to be heard. When Nigeria Happens is quiet, emotional, and reflective, like the films I make. There’s space in Nollywood for nuance, for stillness, for stories that break the rules. The more room we make, the richer our cinema becomes.

We’re off to Locarno! When Nigeria Happens world premieres as the opening film of the Open Doors section. It is the first African (and Nigeria’s first contemporary dance) film to open this section. A quiet but meaningful milestone rooted in celebrating resilience. Thank you!

Yesterday, it became official! When Nigeria Happens will open the Open Doors section at Locarno 2025. It will be the first African and Nigerian contemporary dance film to do so. A milestone for our stories. Proud is an understatement, we’re just getting started.

“When Nigeria Happens” will have its world premiere as the opening film of the Open Doors category of the Locarno Film Festival in August. It will make history as the first African film to achieve the feat. 🎬🇳🇬

Big news! When Nigeria Happens will have its World Premiere this August as the Opening Film of the Open Doors section at Locarno Film Festival! It is the first Nigerian and African dance film to do so. A milestone for all young creatives. Keep dreaming!

Locarno has announced the 8 feature and 5 short films from Africa to be screened as part of the Open Doors programme during the 2025 festival in Switzerland. Lesotho's Lemohang Mosese and Nigeria's Ema Edosio Deelen make the cut. See link for full list: filmefiko.com/cinema/locarno…

Congratulations to all of the African filmmakers showing their films in Switzerland next month during Locarno's 2025 Open Doors programme. Special congratulations to @emaedosio, the only Nigerian director on the list. Great news.

I arrive on set with a plan, already editing the film in my head. But once we roll, I trust the spontaneity and magic of the moment. That flexibility shaped When Nigeria Happens. Right now, the film's doing festival rounds. Find more about screenings here linktr.ee/emaedosio

I’ve designed many posters for When Nigeria Happens, but this is one of my favourites. It’s more than design. It captures the film’s energy, faces, and emotions. We’re submitting to festivals and gearing up for release. Sign up via linktr.ee/emaedosio to stay updated.

Casting dancers for When Nigeria Happens was tough but deeply rewarding. I needed artists who could tell the truth with their bodies. Each one brought raw honesty, making these characters feel like people you know, have seen, or even been. It is exciting to share them with you.

Emotion is universal—presentation is cultural. 🎬 @EmaEdosio shares on what makes a good film in our latest #InsideNollywood interview. Watch now: youtu.be/UTwcgfNrdV0 #InsideSeries #EmaEdosio #MediaandEntertainment #BoutiqueMeetsGlobalScale #Kasala

To young filmmakers: I see you. I was you. With faith, vision, and hard work, I kept going despite obstacles. Stay true to your voice, sharpen your skill, it’s worth it. The dots will connect. Excited to share something special soon, stay tuned!

Storytelling is about trusting the process and believing in an audience ready for something real. When Nigeria Happens was made with that conviction. If this feels like your kind of story, click this link linktr.ee/emaedosio to stay in touch. I’d love to share it with you.

Getting When Nigeria Happens from script to screen was my most demanding yet fulfilling journey. Grateful to the cast, crew, and PM News for their support. Read more here pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/04/10/why… and sign up via link in bio to know when it’s coming to a screen near you!

I create a safe space for actors to be themselves. In my chat with Shola, we spoke on how personal connections, commitment, and talent help bring out powerful performances. When Nigeria Happens is almost here. I'd like for you to stay updated linktr.ee/emaedosio