A powerful new short film titled Oyiza recently took center stage in Lagos, offering a poignant look at the escalating crisis of domestic violence while simultaneously honoring the beauty of Ebira culture. The project, brought to life by filmmaker and actress Grace Adebayo Arinze, held its private premiere at the Filmhouse Blackbell this past Sunday. The event was a vibrant gathering of the film community, balancing the glamour of a movie debut with serious, necessary conversations about social responsibility.
During the screening, Arinze opened up about the motivation behind the project, emphasizing that it was crafted to empower victims to break their silence and prioritize their personal safety above all else. She noted that domestic violence is a deep-seated societal issue that does not discriminate, affecting both men and women, and stressed that walking away from an abusive situation is often the most courageous—and life-saving—choice a person can make.
The title of the film carries significant weight. In the Ebira language, Oyiza translates to goodness, a gift, or something beautiful—a term that traditionally reflects the high value placed on women within families. Arinze explained that she chose the name to symbolize what a woman is inherently meant to represent. The film uses this definition as a sharp, deliberate contrast to the lived reality of its lead character, who faces persistent abuse despite embodying the virtues the name implies.
The premiere was a star-studded affair, attended by notable figures from the Nigerian entertainment industry. The guest list included the film’s director, Yemi Filmboy Morafa, lead actor Nonso Bassey, and fellow filmmakers and actors such as Emma Chinedum Alloy, Afes Mike, Mary Chukwu, Frank Osahon, Ify Brown, Roland Alozie, and the comedian Old Warri.
Zoyols notes that projects like Oyiza serve as an essential reminder of the role art plays in highlighting uncomfortable truths. By rooting the story in cultural heritage, the film makes its message of survival and self-worth feel deeply personal and urgent.
