Idris Elba’s Lagos Drama and Nollywood’s ‘Agemo’ in TIFF Lineup

Hollywood star Idris Elba is bringing a taste of Lagos nightlife to the world stage with his new short film Dust to Dreams, set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September.

The project, starring British singer Seal alongside Nollywood favourites Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eku Edewor, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, and Constance Olatunde, tells the story of a fading nightclub owner making one last bold move for the future. It is directed by Elba and produced by Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films, in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The festival will also feature Nigeria’s own Agemo, a mystical thriller by first-time director Moshood Abiola. The film has earned multiple nominations, including Best Director – International, Best Actress – Nollywood/African Film, Best Cinematography, and more, putting it in strong contention among global entries.

This year’s TIFF Shorts program will showcase 48 films from 28 countries, with Dust to Dreams joining the lineup. For Elba, the project marks another step in his directorial journey after his 2018 debut, Yardie.

TIFF, now in its 50th year, runs from September 4 to 15, 2025. Over the years, the festival has become a welcoming home for Nollywood stories, previously spotlighting titles like Freedom Way, Half of a Yellow Sun, Lionheart, The Wedding Party, and The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos.

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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