Jos, Plateau State – In a vibrant celebration of innovative storytelling, Twenty Pounds Entertainment, Status Mutato Art & Culture, Gowell Films, and Artatack Studios hosted “Yan Me Tori” – an evening dedicated to screening short films that challenge the conventional narrative. The event took place at Medco Garden, Secretariat Bridge, Jos.
Ogochukwu Umeadi, Creative Director at Twenty Pounds Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “We tagged it ‘Yan Me Tori’ because we want to build a film-watching community here in Jos. We’ve seen cities like Lagos and Abuja doing their thing, and we want that for our city,” he said. Umeadi stressed the initiative’s commitment to showcasing fearless, edgy, and disruptive stories that break away from the traditional Nollywood mold. “We want people to see a different side of Nollywood,” he added, inviting audiences to experience films that defy expectations and spark fresh conversations.
Twamsen Danaan, Founder and Creative Director of Status Mutato Art & Culture, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s been a dream of ours to see ‘Yan Me Tori’ come to life. Though our first outing comes with its challenges and lessons, we promise films that are both beautiful and impactful,” Danaan said. He highlighted that the curated films have not only resonated locally but have also made an impression internationally, affirming Jos as a nurturing ground for talented filmmakers. “These films are made in Jos, by filmmakers who live in Jos. Today, we celebrate our work at home,” he remarked.
The event marked the beginning of what the organizers hope will be a quarterly tradition. In addition to the screenings, discussions centered on the revival of filmmaking in Plateau State, a region once perceived as a fading market for cinema. “Some believe that filmmaking has left Plateau State, but we are here to prove otherwise,” said Danaan. Both speakers emphasized an entrepreneurial spirit as key to revitalizing the local film industry by making the most of available resources and talent.
“Yan Me Tori” — a pidgin phrase meaning “Tell Me Story” — encapsulated the event’s mission: to create a platform for diverse, compelling narratives that reflect the richness of local culture and inspire both local and national audiences.
