Obi Emelonye Emelonye a Nigerian film director. He is known for directing award-winning films such as ''

Last Flight to Abuja ''Last Flight to Abuja'' is a 2012 Nigerian disaster thriller film written by Tunde Babalola, directed and produced by Obi Emelonye, and starring Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Jim Iyke. Shot in Lagos, the film received 5 nominati ...

'' (2012), '' The Mirror Boy'' (2011), and ''

Onye Ozi ''Onye Ozi'' is a 2013 Nigerian comedy film directed by Obi Emelonye. The film won two category awards at the 2014 Nollywood Movies Awards. Background and production ''Onye Ozi'' was shot in London and was premiered on 18 October 2013 at The Li ...

'' (2013). In 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, which shut down businesses globally, Obi Emelonye became the first film director to make a movie via Zoom, by working remotely with cast members in London and Lagos. The movie, Heart 2 Heart, received critical acclaim from major media outlets all over the world. In December 2022, Obi Emelonye was presented with the

British Urban Film Festival The British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) was formed in July 2005 to showcase urban independent cinema in the absence of any such state-sponsored activity in the UK. Supported by filmmakers and British actors, the organisation was set up by Emma ...

honorary award by producer/director Don Omope for a 20+ year outstanding contribution to cinema at a ceremony in London.

Education

Obi Emelonye, a former professional footballer and law professional, graduated from the

University of Nigeria, Nsukka The University of Nigeria, commonly referred to as UNN, is a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Eastern part of Nigeria. Founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1955 and formally opened on 7 October 1960, the University of Nigeria has thr ...

, with BA (Hons) Theatre Arts degree (1990). He went on to study for an LLB Law degree from the

University of Wolverhampton The University of Wolverhampton is a public university located on four campuses across the West Midlands (county), West Midlands, Shropshire and Staffordshire in England. The roots of the university lie in the Wolverhampton Tradesmen's and Mech ...

(1998). He completed a post-graduate degree in Legal Practice from

London Metropolitan University London Metropolitan University, commonly known as London Met, is a public university, public research university in London, England. The University of North London (formerly the Polytechnic of North London) and London Guildhall University (f ...

(2002) and practised Law for a few years before focusing on his first love, film. In 2019, Obi Emelonye acquired certifications to become a Chartered Management consultant. He is a member of the UK Directors Guild as well as the

British Film Institute The British Film Institute (BFI) is a film and television charitable organisation which promotes and preserves film-making and television in the United Kingdom. The BFI uses funds provided by the National Lottery to encourage film production, ...

(BFI).

Filmography

* ''Black Mail'' - 2022 * '' Badamasi'' - 2021 *'' Crazy Lovely, Cool'' - 2018 * ''The Calabash'' (featuring

Princess Halliday Princess Halliday is a TV personality, professor of ethics, leadership ambassador, talk show host, trained petroleum engineer, communications expert, motivational speaker and occasional actress. She is the founder of the Empower Africa Initiative. ...

Collete Nwadike Collette Nwadike (born Collete Kosisochukwu Barbara, 6 April 1991) is a Nigerian model, beauty queen and Nollywood actress. She represented Nigeria in the Exquisite Face of the Universe Pageant in Sao Tome and emerged winner, becoming the first A ...

, Alex Nwokedi, Bayray McNwizu, Lisa Omorodion,

Enyinna Nwigwe Chief Enyinna Nwigwe (born September 18, 1982) is a Nigerian actor, producer, and entrepreneur. He is best known for playing Nonso in '' The Wedding Party 2'', and playing Tamuno in ''Black November''. Early life and education Nwigwe was b ...

, Uru Eke,

Chris Okagbue Chris Okagbue (born Okechukwu Christopher Ofala Okechukwu Okagbue, 23 June 1987) is a Nigerian model, actor, movie producer , and reality television star. He was the winner of the '' Gulder Ultimate Search'' season 8 reality show. He is of the ...

) - 2015 * ''

Thy Will Be Done Thy Will Be Done is an American heavy metal band formed in 2005 from Providence, Rhode Island. The ensemble has released the studio albums ''Was and Is to Come'' and ''In Ancient of Days'' via Stillborn Records, as well as the EP ''Temple'' v ...

'' - 2015 * ''

(The Messenger)'' - 2013 * ''

Oxford Gardens ''Oxford Gardens'' is a 2015 film produced and directed by Obi Emelonye. Background and synopsis Shot in London, United States and premiered in Nigeria on 18 December 2015, ''Oxford Gardens'' was released as a collaborative work between Obi Emel ...

''- 2013 * ''

'' - 2012 * '' The Mirror Boy'' - 2011 * ''The London Successor'' - 2006 * ''Lucky Joe'' - 2006 * ''Echoes of War'' - 2004 * '' Money Miss Road''

Awards and nominations

References

External links

* Nigerian film directors 1967 births Films directed by Obi Emelonye Living people University of Nigeria alumni University of Nigeria people Alumni of the University of Wolverhampton {{Nigeria-film-director-stub