WEBEK Studios Announces Principal Photography Wrap on Debut Feature Abeni
In a milestone moment for Lagos-based production house WEBEK Studios, principal photography on its debut feature film, Abeni, has officially wrapped. The project marks a significant step for the studio, which is led by chief executive officer Esse Akwawa. Co-director and co-writer Samuel Olasehinde joined Akwawa in steering the narrative, underscoring a collaborative approach that WEBEK Studios has emphasized since its inception.
Abeni is positioned as a bold entry into contemporary African cinema, reflecting WEBEK Studios’ commitment to telling intimate, character-driven stories with broad international appeal. The wrap completes a rigorous production phase that tested the team’s ability to manage a multifaceted shoot in Lagos and its environs while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision.
Behind the Scenes: Vision, Collaboration, and Craft
Esse Akwawa, who also serves as the studio’s CEO, has described Abeni as a project that blends tradition with modern storytelling. The film’s approach is anchored in strong performances, nuanced dialogue, and a visual language that aims to capture Lagos’s dynamism without losing sight of its emotional core. Co-director Samuel Olasehinde brings a writer’s sensibility to the project, helping to shape the screenplay into a layered narrative that resonates with diverse audiences.
The production process for Abeni has been character-first, prioritizing authentic performances over spectacle. This approach aligns with WEBEK Studios’ broader mission to cultivate emerging talent while producing work that can stand up to scrutiny in both local and global markets. As filming wrapped, the team shifted focus to post-production, editing, sound design, and color grading to ensure the film’s tonal balance and pacing align with the emotional arcs written for the screen.
What Abeni Brings to Nigerian Cinema
Abeni’s development signals WEBEK Studios’ ambitions to contribute meaningfully to the expanding Nigerian film industry. The project expands opportunities for collaboration across creative professions, from directing and screenwriting to production design and music supervision. By investing in a debut feature, the studio demonstrates confidence in contemporary storytelling that speaks to urban Nigerian life while remaining accessible to international audiences curious about Africa’s evolving cinema scene.
The film’s narrative is expected to explore universal themes—identity, resilience, and community—through a distinctly Nigerian lens. With Lagos as a dynamic backdrop, Abeni promises to showcase the city’s energy while offering intimate character studies that invite viewers to reflect on personal and collective journeys.
Looking Ahead: Release Strategy and Industry Impact
With principal photography complete, Abeni moves into an intensive post-production phase. WEBEK Studios is likely to pursue strategic festival entries and regional premieres to maximize visibility for the film. The company’s track record of fostering emerging talent raises expectations that Abeni will help attract attention to Nigeria’s growing pool of filmmakers, writers, and technicians.
As the Nigerian film industry continues to expand its global footprint, projects like Abeni illustrate how new studios can drive innovation in storytelling, production values, and distribution strategies. The wrap of principal photography is not just a technical milestone; it signals WEBEK Studios’ readiness to contribute a distinctive voice to both the national cinema and the broader African film conversation.
About WEBEK Studios
WEBEK Studios is a Lagos-based film and media production company focused on creating compelling, socially resonant stories. Under the leadership of Esse Akwawa, the studio emphasizes collaboration, talent development, and high-quality production standards aimed at international audiences.
