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Torkwase Nyiekaa
Abuja -Excitement is mounting in Nigeria’s film industry as Nene, a highly anticipated family drama, prepares to make its grand premiere on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Silverbird Cinemas, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja.
Written, produced, and directed by Dr. Sam E. Diagwoyada, Chief Creative Officer of Hedma Studios and Chairman of Hedma Group, the film will open in cinemas nationwide on Friday, October 3, 2025, under the distribution of Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the premiere on Monday, Diagwoyada described Nene as a piercing reflection of life’s realities. “Life is not all comedy,” he said. “Sometimes we must interrogate the nitty-gritty of our existence. Nene tells the story of a sanctimonious mother forced into a moral dilemma when her daughter breaks a sacred oath, making her choose between personal honor and maternal love.”
The one-hour, 57-minute feature is set against the backdrop of love, betrayal, and family conflict. It stars Nollywood heavyweights Keppy Ekpeyong, Jide Kosoko, Francis Duru, Yemi Black, Tina Umba, Chimeze Imo, Damilola Ogusi, and Mariah Ogbashi, among others. The plot follows a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn on the eve of her wedding, unraveling themes of family unity, morality, and social expectations.
Veteran actor Keppy Ekpeyong said the film leaned heavily on non-verbal acting to give life to its characters. “As actors, we concentrate more on non-verbals, the facial reactions, the unspoken words. They bring characters to life in ways dialogue alone cannot. My role as a father reflects the realities of parenting, love, and forgiveness,” he explained.
Francis Duru praised the storytelling depth, linking it to Diagwoyada’s background as a surgeon. “When a surgeon writes, he writes anatomically deep stories,” Duru said. “Nene is not just another film; it carries peculiar weight, confronting issues such as sexual predators and the responsibilities of both the girl child and boy child in society. The power of film is like a razor blade, used rightly, it heals, used wrongly, it wounds.”
Actress Patricia Okuso, who played the role of Mamaji, expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to break new ground in her career. “This set felt like family. It was a challenging role, but one I delivered to the glory of God. Nene is a film for everyone, children, mothers, teenagers. It carries a message for all,” she said.
Industry veterans at the event commended the professionalism of the cast and crew, stressing that Hedma Studios created an atmosphere that allowed actors to fully inhabit their roles. “We were so pampered on location,” one actor noted. “That support helped us transcend and become the characters the director envisioned.”
The Abuja premiere will be ticketed in multiple categories: Regular (₦20,000), VIP (₦200,000), VVIP (₦500,000), Diamond (₦1 million), and Platinum (₦3 million). Tickets are available via the Hedma Studios website and designated outlets across the Federal Capital Territory.
Diagwoyada emphasized that the premiere is distinct from the nationwide cinema run. “Globally, premieres are ticketed. This Abuja event is about unveiling the film for the first time. A week later, it will screen in cinemas nationwide at the standard rates we do not influence,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, the filmmaker admitted to many setbacks before finding his rhythm. “I have what I call a PhD in failures. My first investments collapsed, but I learned powerful lessons. Movie production is not driven by emotions, but by intelligence and strategy. What keeps this project strong is the value we place on people. When you take care of people’s needs, they take care of your dream,” he remarked.
He concluded by affirming Hedma Studios’ philosophy of excellence, team spirit, and uniqueness. “At Hedma, we inform, inspire, and entertain. Nene is more than a movie; it is a story that will resonate deeply with families and society at large,” he said.