Having received the nod from prestigious film circuit like Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, Zimbabwe International Film Festival, Cape Town International Film Market Festival, and The African Film Festival in Dallas, Texas, the Short “ Thereafter’ and its producers; Yvonne Hays, Christianah Uzoukwu and Judith Okwuba are sure in the spotlight.
During its screening at the ‘African American Film Marketplace & S.E Manley Short Film Showcase’ in Hollywood, California, from April 27-29, 2018, ‘Thereafter’ was the only movie selected from the U.K were Yvonne Hays is based, just as the film was selected as a semi-finalist at the Sydney Indie Film Festival in Australia.
Directed by Yinka Idowu, and starring Hays who plays along Weruche Opia, Mofe Duncan, Christianah, Uzoukwu, Lola May, Prince Shoyelu and others, ‘Thereafter’ tells the story of four women who embark on different paths towards healing after devastating betrayal by a pivotal figure in each of their lives, thus the poser – ‘When it comes to emotional trauma can there ever truly be closure?”
In the compelling drama, June’s successful life as a motivational speaker masks her inner turmoil. Her mantra is ’embrace your power’. All she wants to do is to forget her past but how can she forget when she can’t forgive? On the other hand, Layla’s life has been a direct reflection of her early emotional upheaval, a downward spiral as she is passed from abuser to abuser. She finally has a moment of clarity- in order to build a future she has to recover the sense of self- worth she lost so long ago.
Meanwhile, Amanda and Bukky grew up as close as sisters till a dark secret pushed them apart. Now Amanda has returned after a self-imposed exile to try and reconnect. When the secret is so devastating, however, can the truth really bring them closer? Or will Amanda’s confession break their bond beyond repair?