London, UK — At this year’s Breaking TV Film Festival, Jujuman, directed by Tony Ogunyinka, captured both the Best Short Film and Best British Short Film awards, cementing its place as one of the standout works in contemporary British cinema. The powerful short follows the story of Mani, a gang leader from South East London, who faces a life-altering moral dilemma when a Juju curse, cast by a mysterious African witchdoctor, threatens his mother’s safety. Mani’s struggle becomes a battle between loyalty to his gang and his love for his family, highlighting the emotional depths of both inner-city life and spiritual folklore.
Tony Ogunyinka, who was born in Leeds and is of Nigerian and English descent, has built a career grounded in his dual heritage and profound storytelling. He first connected with film during secondary school, where he directed an ambitious TV drama pilot. Since earning his degree in Film and TV production from the University of Greenwich, where his final project won acclaim at the Best Shorts Competition, Ogunyinka has directed several projects, including short films and music videos, and currently works as head camera technician at a prominent London camera rental company.
Jujuman is deeply personal for Ogunyinka, drawing from true events and relationships in his life, and it resonates as his most ambitious project to date. By weaving themes of morality, cultural identity, and redemption into the storyline, Ogunyinka delivers a narrative that reflects the gritty, complex realities faced by individuals navigating both gang life and spiritual consequences.
This dual win at Breaking TV Film Festival not only establishes Jujuman as a significant work in British short film but also shines a spotlight on Ogunyinka’s potential as a filmmaker. His dedication to portraying the multi-layered experiences within his own community and background is evident, and with these accolades, Tony Ogunyinka is poised to expand his work in film and television, bringing authentic, captivating British stories to a wider audience.
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