‘The Lost Days’ movie tackles family complexities on Prime Video

‘The Lost Days, ’ a Nollywood film by First Feature Projects, is set to hit Prime Video on July 11, setting the stage to tackle the complexities of intergenerational trauma and unresolved grief in families and relationships.

The movie, directed by Wingonia Ikpi in her feature debut as part of the First Feature Projects initiative, is filled with cultural richness that comes to life through the talents of Ifeoma Fafunwa, who is bringing her talents from stage play to the big screens, Bimbo Manuel, Baaj Adebule, Durotimi Okutagidi, and Cynthia Clarke.

In this exclusive interview with BusinessDay’s Anthony Udugba, the director and cast peel back the layers of their creative journey, revealing the passion, challenges, and unique elements—like character-specific music and filming in Abeokuta—that make this film a must-watch. What lies ahead is a cinematic experience that’s as Nigerian as it is universal, and we’ve got the inside scoop to prove it.

Q: Wingonia, this is your first feature-length film, brought to life through the First Feature Projects initiative by Dotun Olakunri and Steve Gokas. How did it feel to work with these industry pioneers and take on a project of this scale?


A: Wingonia Ikpi: It was thrilling and humbling all at once. To be entrusted with a story this layered—packed with emotions and tension—was an honor I didn’t take lightly. I’m grateful to Mr. Steve Gukas, Mr. Dotun Olakunri, and the entire team for not just giving me this opportunity, but for training me through it. The First Feature Projects initiative is special because it doesn’t just hand you a chance—it equips you to succeed. Working with them and this incredible cast felt like a dream, and I’m excited for audiences to see what we’ve created together.

Q: The Lost Days tackles heavy themes like intergenerational trauma and unresolved grief. What was it like collaborating with writers Paul and Abdul to bring their vision to the screen while adding your own directorial flair?


A: Wingonia Ikpi: The process with Paul and Abdul was intense and rewarding. I got the first draft four years ago, and since then, it’s evolved through countless drafts and discussions. Abdul excels at writing complex emotions and family conflicts—think Brotherhood and Red Circle—and he brought that magic here. Paul added his development expertise, and together, we treated the script like a living thing. Even on set, we’d tweak dialogue if it didn’t feel right. As a director, I wove in symbolisms and representations that matched my vision, ensuring the story stayed true to itself while reflecting my perspective.

Q: Baaj, as Wingonia revealed, you’ve worked with her before on Flawsome. How was it reuniting with her for her first feature, and what was her directorial style like on set?


A: Baaj Adebule: This film came at the perfect time for me—I needed a role like this. Wingonia’s chilled vibe made it easy to connect with her. She’s smart, doesn’t take things personally, and that lets us cover a lot of ground fast, even though I didn’t have much prep time. Her understanding was key, like when I needed space before my first scene. She cleared the set, gave me room to breathe, and it helped me click into the character. Her style fostered quick trust, which was a lifeline for me and, I’d say, the whole cast.

Q: Ifeoma, you have a strong background in Theatre. What has the transition to the big screen been like for you?
 

Ifeoma Fafunwa: It’s been both exciting and scary. After years of directing in theatre, moving to acting on screen was a big shift—I kept wanting to direct and even apologized to the film’s director, Wingonia Ikpi, for stepping out of my acting role. But in 2025, I’d promised myself to try new, adventurous things, so despite the terror—like bungy jumping, I took the leap.

Q: Bimbo, you’re a legend in Nollywood. What was it like working with a first-time feature director like Wingonia, and how did she handle the set?


A: Bimbo Manuel: Wingonia’s a witch—in the best way possible! You’d never guess it was her first film. She was confident, in control, and open to ideas. Filmmaking is a team effort, and she welcomed suggestions, which kept things fresh and exciting. Her poise made it feel seamless, like we were all in the hands of a seasoned pro.

Q: Durotimi, as a younger actor among such an experienced cast, how did Wingonia guide you in preparing for your role?


A: Durotimi Okutagidi: Wingonia was incredible. Two weeks before filming, we started digging into my character—what I brought to it beyond the script. She sent me a detailed deck with music for each character, which was a game-changer for getting into the right headspace. We even worked on specifics, like my character’s walk. It was humbling to be around such talent, but she made sure we all clicked. Her guidance was clear and collaborative, and it made the experience amazing.

Q: Wingonia, you’ve mentioned assigning specific music to each character. Why did you take this approach, and how did it shape the film?


A: Wingonia Ikpi: I believe everyone has a life’s “ringtone”—music reveals who they are. With my background in music, I wanted the sound to deepen the characters. For Baaj’s character, we used classical music to highlight his duality. Baba Kola, played by Bimbo, had traditional Yoruba tunes to show his charm and roots in Abeokuta. Chisom’s Igbo tunes reflected her Nsukka background, mixed with a level of modern tunes to reflect her city sensibilities. Music wasn’t just background—it guided the actors, set the emotional tone, and made the film feel alive.

Q: The film was shot in Abeokuta, a departure from the usual Lagos locations. How did that setting affect the production and your experiences as actors?

A: Baaj Adebule: I love filming on location, especially outside Lagos—Abeokuta’s rocks and scenery won me over. There’s a river scene with stunning rocks that made it into the film, and it added such authenticity. It was a visual treat and a refreshing change.

A: Durotimi Okutagidi: Set is like a home away from home, and Abeokuta felt like a bonding trip. The production kept us comfortable, and on off days, we explored the city. It was fun and brought us closer as a cast.

A: Bimbo Manuel: I worked in Abeokuta as a broadcaster years ago, so it was like coming home. The crew took great care of us—great food, lodging, everything. The locals were so welcoming, though the mosquitoes had a field day with me, thanks to Wingonia, Dotun, and Steve! It was a joy to shoot there.

Q: Wingonia, with such emotionally heavy themes, how did you ensure the actors delivered authentic performances?

A: Wingonia Ikpi: It started with casting the right people. For Chisom, I needed elegance plus specific body language—her reactions had to hit just right. Bimbo was always my Baba Kola; his grace was unmatched. Durotimi brought passion, and Baaj surprised me with his duality, which I hadn’t fully seen before Flawsome. We did chemistry reads to ensure they meshed, and I had deep conversations and rehearsals with them. My 125-page treatment helped, but it was their talent and our collaboration that brought the emotions to life.

Q: Baaj, you had limited prep time. How did you transform into your character so quickly?


A: Baaj Adebule: It was a challenge. The 125-page treatment was dense—some pages took minutes, others hours to absorb. I had to rehearse fast and hard. Wingonia’s explanations of key elements helped me prioritise, and on set, we played with music until we found the perfect genre for my scenes. That click made it easier to sink into the role, despite the rush.

Q: Bimbo, with your decades of experience, what advice would you give a debut director like Wingonia?

A: Bimbo Manuel: Trust your vision but stay open to collaboration. Wingonia nailed that balance. Also, don’t skimp on details like sound and editing. Her focus on sound stood out, and it elevates the film. She’s already got the instincts; just keep refining them.

Q: Wingonia, sound seems central to your process. How did you approach editing to preserve the film’s emotional impact?

A: Wingonia Ikpi: We chose resonance over brevity. If a scene needed extra seconds to land, we kept it; if it didn’t work, we cut it, no matter how much it hurt. Sound was my obsession—I love it, and it’s often underrated. Working with Steve Gokas in post-production was a masterclass, especially on audio. He taught me so much, and it’s a big part of why the film feels so visceral.

Q: The First Feature Projects initiative is all about nurturing new talent. How do you think it can influence Nollywood’s future?

A: Wingonia Ikpi: It’s a game-changer. It doesn’t just fund films—it trains filmmakers, which is rare and vital. Supporting 12 of us like this builds a stronger, more diverse industry. It’s about creating a legacy of skilled storytellers, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Q: Distribution is a hot topic in Nollywood. Wingonia, how do you think it can improve to make the industry more lucrative?

A: Wingonia Ikpi: We need more cinemas—high-end and low-end. Imagine partnering with local shops for screenings at 3,500 naira instead of 15,000 naira at upscale venues. That inclusivity keeps audiences engaged. Plus, we must build value locally—if Nigerians don’t cherish our films, why should the world? Accessibility grows that love, and then we export with confidence, not desperation.

>Q: Bimbo, you had a unique take on distribution. What’s your perspective?

A: Bimbo Manuel: Technology’s moving fast, and cinemas might soon be obsolete. We should explore streaming, projections in communities, and even virtual reality. Bending tech to fit our context—making films affordable and local—could revolutionize how we reach audiences.

Q: Finally, what should audiences expect from The Lost Days when it hits Prime Video on July 11?

A: Durotimi Okutagidi: More than they can imagine. We poured sweat, blood, and heart into this—it’s a ride that’ll make you feel, learn, and enjoy.

A: Baaj Adebule: A truly Nigerian story—culture, family, love, conflict, all wrapped in something mesmerizing. It’s authentic and entertaining.

A: Wingonia Ikpi: Honest emotions, rich culture, character duality, tension, and the sweetest love story you’ve seen. It’s filmmaking from the soul.

A: Ifeoma Fafunwa: The film is a great family movie.  There are many lessons to be learnt from the storyline.  I intend to have my four children (aged 14-22) watch it and discuss what each character did right and what they did wrong.  It will be nice to know what young people think and for them to break down what is driving each character.

With The Lost Days premiering on Prime Video on July 11, Nollywood is about to deliver a film that’s as heartfelt as it is groundbreaking. Wingonia Ikpi and her stellar cast have crafted a story that promises to linger long after the credits roll. Don’t miss it.