A short film created by Idris Elba and produced by Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu, “Dust to Dreams,” is set to premiere on the streaming platform EbonyLife ON Plus on November 14.
The film features an international ensemble including British singer-songwriter Seal and Nollywood talents Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eku Edewor, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, and Constance Olatunde.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Elba described the project as “the most collaborative process from the production to the actors and musicians. It was made because family matters and love don’t die.”
Abudu, who produced the film with Heidi Uys, Gina Carter, Temidayo Makanjuola, and Inem King under EbonyLife Films, shared her thoughts on the film’s message and impact.
“Bringing ‘Dust to Dreams’ to life has been a dream come true. This film is a heartfelt reflection of who we are, our love for family, our passion for music, and our deep connections to one another,” Abudu said.
“These emotions are universal, and through this story, we invite the world to see that we are not so different after all. This is not a film about poverty or pity porn that the Western world often expects from us.”
“Dust to Dreams” had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, followed by a European screening at the BFI London Film Festival. The film is now eligible for both Oscars and BAFTAs.
In addition, a behind-the-scenes special documenting the production will air on EbonyLife ON, and the film’s original soundtrack, “Mama,” written by Seal, Olatunde, Elba, and The Cavemen, will be released globally on Spotify on November 14.
