Nigerian Filmmaker bags Multiple awards in Hollywood

Ideh Chukwuma Innocent, popularly known as Onesoul, has bagged multiple awards at the 2021 Hollywood & African Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards) for his movie ‘Pillars of Africa’. The movie, which got nominated in five major categories, won African Film of the Year; Best Supporting Actor (Chidi Mokeme); and Best Lead Male (Hakeem Kae Kazim). The Hollywood & African Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards) recognizes achievements in the film and music industry.

The Honors are awards to appreciate outstanding individuals whose professional careers have been marked by extraordinary personal and professional accomplishments. Honorees and winners are awarded the HAPA trophy. The HAPAwards are designed to globally promote the cultures of Africa and the world while giving back to communities across the globe. Speaking at the award ceremony which was held at The Orpheum Theater on 24th October, Chukwuma Innocent who is also a writer, producer and director said: “This is a major win for us and we appreciate these nominations…

“Making a film in Nigeria and it to be noticed and appreciated by the international community is a huge one for me. It’s a win for the cast, the crew and everyone who gave their best to see this project succeed. We shall be doing our best to tell the real African stories. That has been my goal and it will continue to be.” ‘Pillars of Africa’ opened screening at the cinemas on 23rd July 2021. It packs a sterling cast of veteran actors, including Hollywood’s Hakeem Kae Kazim, and his Nollywood peers like Sola Sobowale, Chidi Mokeme, Sam Dede, Elvina Ibru and Zach Orji.

The movie tells the story of an African child. The struggle, pain and what they go through trying to survive in Africa. They are kidnapped, raped, drugged, smuggled and trafficked across different parts of Africa. The boys used as child soldiers and the girls used as sex slaves. “We needed to tell that story. We can’t keep silent. This part of our problem cannot be swept under the carpet. So with this film we brought everything to light”, he added.

His two other new movies titled ‘The Rise of Igbinogun’, and ‘Betty – A Father’s Dream’ are set to hit the cinemas soon from the stable of Heat Factory ICI, his production company. Innocent has produced and directed other movies such as ‘An Hour with the Shrink’, ‘Moth to a Flame’, ‘Diana’s Verdict’, ‘Bad Boy and Pretty’, ‘Love at 70’, ‘Love Sex and Money’, ‘Cajoling’, ‘Hourglass’, ‘The View’, ‘Wife Beater’ and a couple of other movies.