THE NEXT LEVEL OF NOLLYWOOD: A REVIEW OF “REVELATIONS”
International film collaboration brings us joy. Not only does it showcase various cultures, but it elevates the visibility of talent within in each region. “Revelations” is a first-of-its kind drama produced by Nigerian multi-talent Richard Mofe-Damijo and Utah local Tanya Price. To say that this movie is outside-of-the-box is an understatement.
Movie Poster
Encompassing many “firsts” in the filmmaking industry, Revelations is the first Nollywood (Nigerian Hollywood) film to ever be filmed in Utah, the first to ever be filmed in the snow, the first to portray a western theme, and the first to have in depth surgical procedures (Mofe-Damijo, Price, 2024).
Still from Revelations - Richard Mofe-Damijo as “Voke”
The story follows Voke (Richard Mofe-Damijo), a Nigerian oncologist surgeon, oncologist Melissa (Tanya Price), and the many people’s whose lives they have impacted. Madly in love and passionate about their careers, hidden truths about each of their pasts begin to surface. Will love be enough, and can they find a way to navigate their differences?
Still from Revelations - Alex Boye as Kyle
Featuring a diverse cast of both Nigerian and Utah talent, Revelations does a superb job of navigating the complexities of love, immigration, terminal illness, miscommunications, and ultimate redemption. The cast includes Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha as Ese, Alex Boye as Kyle, Shawn Stevens as Zack, Tara Barrett as Carmen, Damarr Jones as Jason, Nnamdi Kanaga as Kofi, Tega Mofe Damijo as Veejay, and many more.
Still from Revelations - Richard Mofe-Damijo as Voke and Tanya Price as Melissa
In addition to the impressive cast, the production value and camera work of Revelations grabs your attention – with sweeping shots of mountains (Unit Directors of Photography: Teddy Albert, Dalton Augustus, Ajalaja Stanley), complex medical situations and surgeries, equestrian and Western themes, and detailed set design (Tanya Price, Brittney Hale, Uwamechune Lawrence). Alex’s Boye’s song placement adds to the intensity of the scenes. Boye’s songs African Cowboy and Still Breathing add a soulful vibe to the film; bringing the emotion home.
Behind the Scenes - Tanya Price as Melissa and Richard Mofe-Damijo as Voke
Overall, Revelations is an ambitious, historical, and groundbreaking project that shows promise of future Nollywood and Utah collaborations. We can’t wait to see where it goes, and we look forward to more cross-regional creative endeavors.
Review by Alicia Oberle Farmer