Chika Anadu is a Nigerian filmmaker renowned for her thought-provoking work, with the film “B for Boy” (2013) standing out as one of her most notable creations. She has also made significant contributions to the film industry through her short films, which tackle issues of gender discrimination and cultural pressures tied to tradition in Nigeria.
Personal Stats
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chika Anadu |
| Date of Birth | November 1980 |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Filmmaker |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
Early Life And Education
Chika Anadu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in November 1980. At the age of 16, she moved to England to continue her education. During her time in the UK, she completed her ‘A’ Levels, earned a degree in Law and Criminology, and attained an MA in African Studies with a focus on Human and Sustainable Development. Although she had always held a passion for film, it wasn’t until 2006 that she seriously considered a career as a director. This pivotal moment occurred after watching the Italian film “Cinema Paradiso” (1988) during her stay in Nigeria while completing her Youth Service, a government work program for Nigerian citizens with university degrees.
Career
Chika Anadu returned to Nigeria in 2008 and embarked on a journey into TV and film production. Dissatisfied with her early experiences, she took matters into her own hands and began writing and shooting her own short films in October and November 2009. “Epilogue” (2009), her first short film, was showcased at the 2010 San Diego Black Film Festival in the United States. “Ava” (2010) made its way to the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner in the same year.
In 2010, the New York Film Academy conducted workshops in Nigeria, offering training in directing, acting, screenwriting, and camera work. Despite her passion for directing, Anadu chose to enroll in the screenwriting workshop. Her interest in screenwriting led her to apply for the Cannes Cinéfondation Residence Program in Paris. Anadu secured a spot in the program and used a 14-page screenplay treatment from her submission as the foundation for her first feature-length film, “B for Boy” (2013). The film was produced by Anadu’s independent company, No Blondes Production, and she played multiple roles in its production, including director, writer, producer, casting director, location scout, accountant, and lawyer. “B for Boy” premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in 2013 and earned recognition at the AFI Fest, winning the AFI Fest 2013 Breakthrough Award. The film’s South African premiere took place in Durban in 2014.
Filmography
Chika Anadu’s filmography includes several impactful works, including:
- “Epilogue” (2009)
- “Ava” (2010)
- “The Marriage Factor” (2012)
- “B for Boy” (2013)
- “Going Home” (2015)
