Movie tackles domestic violence, celebrates Ebira culture

A new short film, Oyiza, aimed at drawing attention to the growing menace of domestic violence, premiered in Lagos on Sunday with a colourful celebration of Ebira culture and storytelling.

The film, produced by actress and filmmaker Grace Adebayo Arinze, debuted at Filmhouse Blackbell, where guests and members of the film community gathered for a private screening marked by glamour, cultural pride, and conversation around social issues.

Speaking at the event, Adebayo said the film was conceived as a way of encouraging victims of abuse to speak out and prioritise their safety.

“Domestic violence is a menace that has eaten deep into our society. It is a no-no. It can happen both ways—a man can face it and a woman can face it. But when it starts, it is better to walk away because it is better to be alive to tell the story,” she said.

The title Oyiza, she explained, is derived from an Ebira word meaning goodness, gift, and everything nice, a symbolism that reflects the value traditionally placed on women in relationships and families.

“Oyiza is an Ebira word that means goodness, gift and everything nice. The Bible says he that finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord. That is what a woman is supposed to represent,” she added.

However, the film deliberately contrasts the meaning of the name with the experience of its central character, a woman named Oyiza who endures domestic abuse despite embodying the virtues her name represents.

The premiere drew notable personalities from the entertainment industry, including the film’s director, Yemi Filmboy Morafa, lead actor Nonso Bassey, filmmaker Emma Chinedum Alloy, actors Afes Mike, Mary Chukwu, Frank Osahon, Ify Brown, Roland Alozie, as well as comedian Old Warri, among others.

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