WOVEN:

The Intriguing Journey
of the

EBIRA CLOTH

AN AFRICA-RELATED PRODUCTION

OFFICIAL TRAILER

Director: Oyiza Adaba

Production Company: Africa-Related INC

Genre: Docu-drama

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Longline:
From the northernmost tip of present day Northern Nigeria to the Central settlement in Ebira Opete, “Woven” journeys through the mind and memories of Mama Etudaiye, a 100-year old cloth weaver - to tell the intriguing, conflicted and triumphant story of Itinochi - The  Ebira Cloth.

Synopsis:
WOVEN - (working title) is a 90-minute historical docu-drama on the intriguing journey of the Ebira Cloth. It traces the origins of weaving through the mind and memories of Mama Etudaiye, a 100-year old cloth weaver, exploring its sustainability of homes and communities for generations. Ebira women have long been weavers, and the men, farmers. With sub-themes like environment, healthcare and agriculture, this film explores the Ebira people, found in Central Nigeria, and their immense contributions to defining their cultural identity. 

Mama Etudaiye’s mind journeys from 1750s when the Ebiras migrated to Ebira Opete, the rise of the Ohindases, Colonial conquest of Ebiraland 1904 known as Major Marsh Expedition, the arrival of Islam, Christianity and western education, her days at Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College; running through the vast cotton farms and helping her mother spin the yarn for the Itinochi;  the war that claimed her father as a member of Britain’s RAF; Nnamidi Azikiwe’s visit to Okene in ‘48 and how one Habib Raji Abdallah in stole her little heart in 1948. All of these interspersed with historical landmarks and events tell the story of a migration history, with an ever present element - The Cloth. 

From its ancient ceremonial use in funerals and traditional masquerades to beautifying many modern ceremonies, the Ebira cloth has been studied by notable intellectuals, used by international designers and  has found its place on the world stage including The British Museum and Sotheby's.

follow the journey

A 90-minute docu-drama that delves into the rich history of the Ebira people, whose migration journey helped in shaping the Nigerian historical landscape over a century ago. The focus on Itinochi - the woven cloth -  echoes the sentiment that the Cloth is not just a recent addition to Ebira history but an integral and original part of its diverse tapestry.

Pitch: A letter exchange between a journalist and Historian inspired this story about a rich cultural history that is seldom told. The film adopts multiple layers of narrative, storytelling, folklores, music and drama. It is a non controversial film that presents a critical opportunity to talk about this subject, in order to build confidence in the community. 

Audience: A general audience with focus on academics and students in Universities and high schools in Nigeria. This film will utilise the film festival circuit, have a theatrical release and embark on educational tours, before final distribution on television and streaming networks.Our target is for this generation to understand more about Ebira people. Few films talk about that part of history in Nigeria but not in detail or reveal the Ebira story. It is an untold story. We have team's of researchers on ground in Okene, with production crew arrangements from Abuja, Lagos, and New York. Some other Ethnic organizations across the region have already been contacted and they have welcomed the project and show intention to sponsor events to show it.

Director: Oyiza Adaba's work as a journalist and filmmaker has helped to amplify African perspectives. She founded the media platform Africa-Related in 2008 to develop concepts that use media tools to tell authentic stories. This platform allows her to produce, write, and report on African news and issues. Through her journalism, filmmaking, and involvement in media and cultural organizations, Oyiza Adaba has dedicated her nearly 30-year career to developing and sharing authentic African stories and narratives on global platforms.  Her feature documentary "DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" (2023) is highly praised globally for bringing African art and culture to international audiences.

Partners: Ita’i Our Cloth, Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation, African Culture Fund

 

Sponsorship Opportunities Contact

Telephone: +234 814 135 4934
Email: africarelated@gmail.com