Obi Emelonye

Obi Emelonyelisten^ⓘ (born 24 March 1967) is a Nigerian film director.^[1] He is known for directing award-winning films such as Last Flight to Abuja (2012), The Mirror Boy (2011), and Onye Ozi (2013).^[2][3]

Obi Emelonye
Born	(1967-03-24) 24 March 1967 (age 58) Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Nationality	Nigerian
Education	PhD
Alma mater	Eastern Mediterranean University University of Nigeria, Nsukka University of Wolverhampton
Occupation(s)	film maker producer director
Years active	2000–present
Notable credits	Last Flight to Abuja Echoes of War The Mirror Boy, and Last Flight to Abuja Heart 2 hearth
Awards	See below

In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, which shut down businesses globally, Obi Emelonye became the first film director to make a movie via Zoom, by working remotely with cast members in London and Lagos. The movie, Heart 2 Heart, received critical acclaim from major media outlets all over the world.^{[citation needed]}

In December 2022, Obi Emelonye was presented with the British Urban Film Festival honorary award by producer/director Don Omope for a 20+ year outstanding contribution to cinema at a ceremony in London.

Education

Obi Emelonye, a former professional footballer and law professional, graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Enugu State, with BA (Hons) Theatre Arts degree (1990). He went on to study for an LLB Law degree from the University of Wolverhampton (1998). He completed a post-graduate degree in Legal Practice from London Metropolitan University (2002) and practised Law for a few years before focusing on his first love, film. In 2019, Obi Emelonye acquired certifications to become a Chartered Management consultant. He is a member of the UK Directors Guild as well as the British Film Institute (BFI).^[4]

Filmography

• Black Mail - 2022
• Badamasi - 2021
• Crazy Lovely, Cool - 2018
• The Calabash (featuring Princess Halliday,^[5] Collete Nwadike, Alex Nwokedi, Bayray McNwizu, Lisa Omorodion, Enyinna Nwigwe, Uru Eke, Chris Okagbue) - 2015
• Thy Will Be Done - 2015
• Onye Ozi (The Messenger) - 2013
• Oxford Gardens- 2013
• Last Flight to Abuja - 2012
• The Mirror Boy - 2011
• The London Successor - 2006
• Lucky Joe - 2006
• Echoes of War - 2004
• Money Miss Road

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Result	Ref
2021	Africa Movie Academy Awards	Best Film by an African Living Abroad	Won	[6]
2023	Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards	Best Director	Nominated	[7][8]