Foremost media production outfits, Natives Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions have tag-teamed to mentor 12 budding filmmakers to create their own directorial debuts.
  
The film production company at an event to announce Cake, the first of the 12 movies on The Family Friendly Films Project, said it is committed to raising the bar for young directors and giving them the chance to play in the big league.
 

 
Among the selected directors are Prosper Edesiri, Jammal Ibrahim, Kesiena Obue, Sebastian Ukwa, Nifemi Ogunlola, Toluwani Obayan, Binwana Gazuwa, Korede Azeez, Wingonia Ikpi, Courage Obayuwana, Seun Richards and Reuben Reng.
 
Slated for theatrical release on February 25, the romantic comedy follows the hilarious ride of Tomiwa Akinlolu, a talented baker who is caught in a love triangle with two women. The film stars Tope Tedela, Patience Ozokwor, Sophie Alakija, Folu Storms Saskay, Emmanuel Jibunor and Philip Asaya.
   
Distributed by FilmOne Distribution, the project leverages a focused human capacity development initiative to create a slate of 12 movies that highlight the creativity and skill of a new set of movie directors telling stories to entertain families.
    
Veteran producer, Otunba Dotun Olakunri, said: “Prosper Edesiri tells the story quite brilliantly and cinema halls will be wowed with the good work done by the entire production team. Patience Ozokwor brings needed experience to a film that elevates the art of young Nollywood creatives.”  
 
Speaking on the project, Steve Gukas, said: “It is heartwarming to see the transformation of the directors we have worked with, in the development of the film slate. Seeing them embrace the process and put it to work is very pleasing. The output is the better for it and it shows. I am very excited and cannot wait for the world to see the amazing films they are making.”

Producer of the movie, Tongryang Pantu, said: “The two production companies went out in search of newbies with potential, with the aim to invest in talents development, supporting with resources to make sure that their dreams become a reality.

“All the directors have done short films before, but this is the first time they are directing feature-length films and some of them are lucky to go to the cinema directly.
    
She added: “The idea is to have at least one film every month, and each of the films has a young director who has never made his or her mark in the industry before this initiative. Some of them feature members of their family and friends in their short films, but they now have a platform to work with professionals and veterans in the industry. Having six female directors and six male directors wasn’t something that was consciously done; exceptional young directors were picked.
    
Speaking also, director of the movie, Edesiri, said: “This is my first feature film. The call was for first-time feature film directors who have done short films that have gone to festivals, so I’ve done a lot of short films but never had the budget and the right opportunity to do a feature film.
 
“This opportunity is a blessing and having executive producers of big movies such as Living in Bondage, A Place in the Stars around to mentor is a big opportunity.
  
Speaking on her experience on the set, Saskay who played the role of Ifeoma, said: “The experience was mind-blowing. I didn’t expect a set to be stressful; it was stress staying awake through the night, but it was fun. Acting is something I’m willing to do more. I am open to more movie roles.