‘Evi’ Selected for Nollywood Week Film Festival Paris

The acclaimed Nigerian music drama ‘Evi’ is set to screen today, May 8 at the prestigious Nollywood Week Film Festival Paris, marking another major milestone for the female-led Afrobeat film following its successful cinema run in Nigeria.

Produced by Judith Audu and written and directed by Uyoyou Adia, Cinematography by Barnabas Emordi, Production Design by Chris Udomi, Costume Design by Kingsley Rex Okoye, Music by Tolu Obanro.
‘Evi’ is a moving story about second chances, survival, and the transformative power of positive reinforcement.

This marks the third time both filmmakers will attend the festival with their work. In 2019, Uyoyou Adia’s directorial debut, #TheFourthSide, a film addressing false rape accusations, screened at the festival. In 2021, Judith Audu’s feature film, ‘The Sessions’, was also selected as an official entry.
Speaking on the selection of ‘Evi’, Judith Audu described the moment as deeply rewarding for the entire team behind the project.

“Taking EVI to Nollywood Week Paris is incredibly special for us because this film was created with so much heart, intention, and belief in the power of authentic African storytelling. Seeing it resonate beyond Nigeria is a reminder that our stories are universal.

“This selection is not just a win for the film, but for every woman who poured her creativity, passion, and voice into this project. We are proud to share ‘Evi’ with a global audience and continue pushing conversations around representation, music, resilience, and hope,” she said.

Director Uyoyou Adia also reflected on returning to the festival years after her first selection.
“Coming back to Nollywood Week Paris with ‘Evi’ feels like a full-circle moment for me. My journey with the festival began with #TheFourthSide, and to return now with a film that is so emotionally layered, musically rich, and intentionally female-led is truly meaningful.

“‘Evi’ was born from a desire to tell a deeply human story through music, vulnerability, and healing. I’m excited for audiences in Paris to experience the world we created and connect with the emotions at the heart of the film,” Adia stated.

Executively produced predominantly by women, the film boasts an impressive team including Uyoyou Adia, Judith Audu, Omowunmi Dada, Mimah Keiko, Nehita Ofure Irieme, Damilola Osikoya, Patricia Corlet Akugha, Oro-Ghene Adia, OroboGhene Adia, and Femi Mustapha.

EVI is a Judith Audu Productions, in collaboration with Switch Visuals Productions, Signet Rings Studios, and NOI Productions, Powered by CcHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter and supported by the Gates Foundation. Evi was shot with the Canon C 400 and it is the first feature film in Africa to be shot with this Canon new Cinematic series .

EVI blends contemporary Nigerian storytelling with music to deliver a bold cinematic experience.