Silent Verses

Abu-bakr S. Adamu is an award-winning Nigerian writer, director, editor and visual artist. Born 7 July 2001 in Kubwa, FCT, and raised in Suleja. His distinctive style explores societal complexities and realism inspired by the vibrant Northern Nigeria.

His short film "Tsoro Da Ruwa" was screened at several national and international film festivals, earned best Indigenous film award at An Evening of Short Films and a nomination for Best Actor and Best Director at the 2023 Ibadan Indie Film Awards. In 2024, Abu-bakr was selected as a participant in the inaugural Film Lab Africa Accelerator program by the British Council of Arts in Nigeria.

Abu-bakr, alongside a collective of creative minds, founded Alpha Flicks, a powerhouse of talent and innovation. Together, they have brought to life numerous captivating films, music videos, commercials, and documentary projects. His films explores self-discovery, boyhood, cultural identity and moral ambiguities with thought-provoking narratives, often tragic conclusions, leaving audiences both moved and inspired. He is currently developing his debut directorial feature film, If I Had A Choice.

With an unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria, he uses his cinematic endeavors to spotlight this remarkable region. His storytelling is not just a passion but a profound mission to amplify the voices and stories of his homeland, making him a true believer in the world of African cinema.

Dir. Statement:

Silent Verses is a story rooted in my own experiences with silence, expression and friendship. As someone who stutters, I’ve rarely seen characters who reflect that part of me on screen. This film is my attempt to change that—gently, honestly, and with heart.

It’s a story about two boys, both carrying different forms of struggle, who meet at the point where pain and empathy intersect. Through quiet moments, stolen bicycles, and unexpected bonds, Silent Verses explores resilience, understanding, and the small, life-shaping choices we make as children.

I aim to create a film that feels intimate, naturalistic, and emotionally true.

The ANCHRAGE OF TIME

Sol de Carvalho was born in 1953 in Beira, Mozambique, studied at the Conservatório Nacional de Cinema in Lisbon and worked as a journalist, editor and photographer. Already during his studies in Portugal Sol de Carvalho was a political activist against the Salazar regime. On his return to Mozambique he joined the independence efforts of the FRELIMO and was nominated as the director of the Serviço Nacional da Rádio Moçambique. Starting from 1979 he worked together with Mia Couto and Albino Magaia for the magazine Tempo. In 1986 Sol de Carvalho finally took the decision to become a filmmaker. Since then, he made many films, for the most part documentaries and TV movies (A Janela, O Búzio, As Teias da Aranha, etc.). O Jardim do Outro Homem was his first feature-length film. Sol de Carvalho was also a founding member of the production company Ébano, together with Pedro Pimenta and Licínio Azevedo, though withdrew from it in order to establish Promarte Production Company in Maputo. His work is socially committed and often deals with taboo subjects like HIV/Aids or domestic violence. Being a strong advocate for participatory processes, he is often times on the road in Mozambique to show his films in villages and to discuss with the people.

Director Statement

UNDER THE FRANGIPANI represents what in MIA COUTO's work is more appealing to me: The use of a microcosmos charged with Magical realism where an apparent specific story (be it political, thriller or a romance) is in fact symbolic of a wider take on society. This story touches on themes which are dear to me: Respect for the elderly, racial identity problems, violence against women and widespread corruption. Acknowledging film and literature specificities, one of the biggest challenges is precisely to be able to work with the author of the original work on the screenplay. Magic realism opens a visual and aesthetic potential that I believe to be a perfect match with the African world and film.