Tope Laguda, a Nigerian actor and filmmaker, residing in Kirton, Suffolk, is on a mission to reshape the narrative surrounding films originating from Nigeria. Her self-released film, “What No One Knows,” written, produced, and starring herself, is poised to challenge stereotypes and captivate audiences worldwide.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria, “What No One Knows” is scheduled for its UK premiere at King Street Cinema in Ipswich later this month. Laguda, reflecting on her journey in an interview with BBC, expressed how the process shed light on the hurdles faced by black filmmakers. “If anyone had told me that this is what I would be going through, I probably wouldn’t have gone into filmmaking at all,” she remarked.
Inspiration for the film struck Laguda following the birth of her first child. The narrative follows two friends whose lives unravel due to a concealed pact, delving into themes of love and betrayal.
Laguda is determined to challenge prevailing stereotypes in the global film market. “There has been a prevailing stereotype that associates quantity with films from our region, rather than quality,” she stated, highlighting the misconceptions hindering Nigerian filmmakers from accessing global platforms through established distribution channels.
Produced under the banner of I Have An Idea Entertainment, an independent film company founded by Laguda and her husband Leke Laguda, “What No One Knows” has already garnered acclaim, securing five awards since its debut. Notable accolades include the Best Indie Feature Film at the 2022 World Film Festival in Cannes and the Spotlight Film Award at the 2023 Topaz Film Festival in the US.
Despite being filmed on location in Lagos with Nigerian actors, Laguda is adamant that “What No One Knows” defies categorization as a “Nollywood” film, the informal term for Nigerian cinema. “Just for the fact that it is a film that was shot in Lagos, Nigeria, doesn’t actually make it a Nigerian film,” she emphasized, underscoring its universal themes transcending geographical boundaries.
