Films in shooting or post-production
IN THE SHADOWS OF GOOD FORTUNE
Synopsis
In contemporary Nigeria, Emeka and Lola’s world is shattered when their young daughter, Busola, is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Faced with overwhelming medical costs and family pressure, their already fragile relationship begins to unravel. After a near-fatal pregnancy with Busola, the couple had agreed on permanent birth control—but they discover Lola is unexpectedly pregnant again, revealing Emekas’s betrayal, which he has long kept secret. As Busola’s condition worsens, the pair are torn between their responsibilities to their daughter and the weight of an unborn child’s future, all the while confronted by societal demands for a male heir. Lola’s decision to reclaim control over her body and life further fractures their marital bond, driving them to confront the limits of love, sacrifice, and survival.
Gideon Chukwu
Babatunde Apalowo
Lala Akindoju, OC Ukeje, Joke Silva, Lateef Adedimeji
Polymath Pictures (Nigeria)
Babatunde Apalowo
Make It Happen Productions (Nigeria)
Kemi Lala Akindoju
Director’s statement
In the Shadows of Good Fortune examines the often invisible forces that shape the choices we make, especially within families bound by tradition in patriarchal societies. Growing up as the firstborn in a family of boys, I became attuned to the quiet but persistent expectations placed on families, particularly around the desire for male heirs. Through the story of Emeka and Lola, this film unpacks how these expectations permeate even the most intimate relationships, subtly influencing desires, fears, and decisions. The film’s visual language—marked by fluid camera movements and moments of stillness—reflects the characters’ emotional journeys as they navigate a world in which personal choices are never truly personal. By pairing moments of deep introspection with unspoken tensions, the film invites viewers to reflect on the interplay of tradition, autonomy, and the invisible weight of societal norms.
Biographies
Babatunde Apalowo is a Nigerian filmmaker whose work explores the intersections of identity, societal expectations, and human vulnerability. His debut feature-length film, All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White (2023), won the Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. In his current project, In the Shadows of Good Fortune, Babatunde challenges patriarchal norms and explores the complex roles of women within contemporary Nigerian society, delving into themes of parenthood, tradition, and the struggle for personal autonomy in the face of societal pressures
Kemi Lala Akindoju is an award-winning actor, producer, and casting director with over 15 years of experience in Nollywood. She previously served as the Senior Movies Creative Executive for Amazon Studios Nigeria, where she oversaw the development of original films. An alum of Berlinale Talents and the International Visitor Leadership Program, Akindoju has worked on major projects like Prime Video’s Gangs of Lagos (2023) and Netflix’s The Black Book (2023). As founder of Make It Happen Productions, she is dedicated to producing authentic African stories that challenge societal norms.
