British-Nigerian actor Wale Ojo and Nollywood star Shaffy Bello are set to headline the international premiere tour of a new film titled Lights Out.
The project will also feature Cameroonian actress Syndy Emade, alongside a lineup of industry stakeholders, as the film begins its rollout across Africa and the United States.
Directed by Enah Johnscott and produced by Carista Asonganyi and Buh Melvin, Lights Out centres on the emotional and psychological impact of memory loss within African communities. The story aims to shed light on cognitive decline and its effects on individuals and families.
According to Check Sense Productions, the film’s international tour will begin on April 18 at Majestic Cinemas Bessenge in Douala, Cameroon. It will then move to Abidjan on May 1 for a broader Pan-African release before heading to the United States for a May 2 premiere at Phoenix Theatres Lennox Town Center 24 in Ohio.
Speaking on the film’s narrative, director Johnscott explained that the story immerses viewers in the fragile mental state of its central character, offering a perspective that encourages empathy and understanding. He noted that what may initially appear as a conspiracy gradually unfolds into a portrayal of confusion linked to cognitive decline.
Producer Asonganyi added that the film draws inspiration from real-life experiences of families dealing with dementia, particularly in environments with limited support systems. Co-producer and writer Melvin said the goal is to spark meaningful conversations that promote awareness and care rather than fear.
Lights Out has already gained recognition on the festival circuit, screening at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival and the ORION International Film Festival, where it emerged as a finalist for Best Feature Narrative. It also earned multiple nominations, including Best Cinematography, at the Abuja International Film Festival.
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