Lotanna

Synopsis

In a remote part of the Igbo land lies a village abandoned many years ago due to a mysterious curse. Legend has it that the villagers angered the spirits of the land by desecrating sacred grounds. As a result, the spirits unleashed a curse that drove the villagers mad, leading to their demise.

Despite warnings from elders to never venture near the abandoned village, a group of young men decides to investigate. They enter the village, unaware of the horrors that await them. As night falls, they become trapped in a nightmare, haunted by vengeful spirits and tormented by the echoes of the past.

In the end, none of the young men survive the night, and the curse of the abandoned village continues to claim unsuspecting souls.

Why this story is important

Lotanna is important because it preserves and brings to life the rich folklore and spiritual beliefs deeply rooted in Igbo culture. For generations, African communities have shared stories about sacred lands, ancestral spirits, and the consequences of ignoring traditional wisdom. These stories are part of our identity, yet they are rarely represented authentically in modern cinema.

This film highlights the tension between curiosity and tradition, reminding audiences that cultural knowledge passed down through elders carries meaning and purpose. It also reflects how young people sometimes challenge traditions without fully understanding their significance.

Beyond entertainment, Lotanna contributes to the growing movement of African filmmakers telling their own stories from an authentic perspective. By blending suspense, culture, and folklore, the film introduces global audiences to a unique aspect of African spirituality while celebrating the depth of our storytelling heritage.

Ultimately, Lotanna is a story about respect; for culture, for tradition, and for the unseen forces that shape the world we live in.

The Cooperation 

About the director 

Meet Gift Rogers; a passionate filmmaker and visionary film director from Enugu State, Nigeria, whose journey into cinema is driven by an unwavering love for storytelling and a desire to create impact through film.

Gift’s path into the world of filmmaking has been both intentional and bold. In 2019, she took her first decisive step by completing a course in acting, immersing herself in the craft from the performer’s perspective. Years later, determined to deepen her understanding of the filmmaking process, she completed a filmmaking course in 2024. Not one to stop at the basics, she went further in 2025, undertaking an intensive directing course at EbonyLife Creative Academy; sharpening her voice, refining her vision, and strengthening her command behind the camera.

Her creative breakthrough came with her debut short film, Self. The project garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple award nominations and attracting international recognition. It was a remarkable introduction to the industry and positioned her as a rising voice in contemporary cinema; one unafraid to explore layered human experiences.

She followed this success with What Happened Last Night, a film franchise that expanded her reach and deepened her connection with audiences. The film premiered in Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Lagos, Nigeria, where each screening was met with outstanding audience reactions. Now streaming on YouTube, What Happened Last Night continues to inspire viewers across Nigeria and beyond, extending its emotional resonance far past its premiere nights.

Gift’s growing portfolio also includes projects such as Lotanna, The Confined, works that further showcase her dedication to meaningful storytelling. Across her films, a clear pattern emerges: she is drawn to emotionally rich, socially relevant narratives that provoke thought and spark conversation. Her stories often explore the human condition with sensitivity and depth, reflecting her commitment to cinema that does more than entertain; it connects.

Beyond directing, Gift is a versatile filmmaker and creative strategist. She combines strong storytelling ability with leadership skills and a keen eye for impactful visuals. On set, she thrives in collaboration; working closely with talent, guiding performances, and shaping environments where stories can fully come alive. Her approach balances artistic vision with emotional intelligence, ensuring that each production reflects authenticity and purpose.

At the core of her work lies a simple but powerful belief: “It’s the passion that drives you.” This mantra underscores every project she undertakes, serving as both personal compass and creative fuel.

As her body of work continues to grow, Gift Rogers remains committed to telling stories that matter; stories that linger, resonate, and leave audiences changed. For those following her journey, one thing is certain: she brings a distinctive magic to every frame, crafting unforgettable stories one film at a time.

About the cinematographer 

Igwe Michael Ifunanya is a Nigerian cinematographer with a passion for visual storytelling and a deep appreciation for the power of imagery in film. His work focuses on capturing authentic moments and translating emotion, atmosphere, and narrative into compelling visuals.

Over the years, he has developed experience working on film and media productions where he collaborates closely with directors and creative teams to bring stories to life on screen. Known for his calm working style and attention to detail, Igwe approaches every project with the goal of creating visuals that support the story and connect with audiences.

His cinematography often reflects a balance between creativity and realism, using lighting, framing, and movement to enhance the mood and tone of a film. Through his work, he continues to explore new ways of telling stories visually while contributing to the growing landscape of Nigerian and African cinema

About the Set & Props Designer 

Mbogu Valentine is widely recognized as one of Nollywood's most versatile emerging creatives; an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and props/set designer whose body of work continues to captivate audiences across mainstream and independent cinema. Known for his creative integrity and commitment to authentic storytelling, Valentine has built a reputation that reflects both artistic excellence and industry influence. He also oversees a production hub dedicated to grooming young actors, actresses, writers, editors, and other talents, helping them actualize their dreams in the film industry.

Early Life and Entry into Film Born on January 15, in Umunze, Orumba South LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria, Valentine's fascination with cinema began early. After years of nurturing that passion, he formally ventured into filmmaking in 2015 before graduating from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University with a degree in Philosophy. His professional debut came in 2022 with Dark Skies, where he contributed as a director and editor, signaling the arrival of a bold new storyteller.

Notable Works and Breakthrough Projects Valentine's breakthrough evolved from a series of successful collaborations and personal projects that showcased his range behind and in front of the camera. His notable credits include: 1. All for Love - Director (VK Cinemagic) 2. Ghost Quest - Props, Set Design, Actor (Untouchable TV) 3. Friends or Lovers - Producer, Director (VK Cinemagic) 4. Shattered - Director, Editor (VK Cinemagic) 5. Akala - Props, Set Design (Afrochives) 6. Black Sheep - Actor 7. Lost Timeline - Director, Editor (Shena TV) 8. Dark Skies - Director, Editor (Black Conga) 9. House of Ashes - Props, Set Design (Untouchable) 10. Weird Visit - Props, Set Design (Afrochives) 11. Psycho - Series - Producer, Director, Editor (VK Cinemagic) 12. Ojádike (Epic) - Writer (VK Cinemagic) 13. The Confined - Actor/Creative Contributor (The Gift Rogers Imagination)

These works highlight his multi-disciplinary abilities and his capacity to elevate stories across genres; ranging from romance and psychological thrillers to epic traditional dramas.

Impact, Mentorship, and Expanding Legacy Beyond his on-screen and technical contributions, Valentine has distinguished himself as a mentor and industry developer. His company, Ashish Production, doubles as an academy for training, grooming, and managing aspiring filmmakers and actors. Through hands-on mentorship, he has helped cultivate a new generation of creatives equipped to thrive in Nollywood's evolving landscape. With several new projects in development, including The Malignant, High Tides, and The Encounter. Valentine continues to push artistic boundaries. His growing legacy is anchored in storytelling that is both entertaining and deeply reflective, positioning him as a rising visionary in contemporary Nigerian cinema.

The production house

Production house: The Gift Rogers Imagination

Founder: Gift Rogers

Company overview 

The Gift Rogers Imagination founded by filmmaker Gift Rogers, is a film and content production company rooted in strong storytelling. We are dedicated to producing emotionally resonant, socially relevant, and visually captivating stories that elevate African voices, challenge societal norms, and enrich lives. The company is built on Gift Rogers’ love for storytelling and her instinctive eye for detail. Each project we produce, whether it’s a thrilling story or an emotional drama is created with authenticity, creativity, and strong visuals in mind.

Its growing body of work shows how much we care about making quality films and trying new, bold ideas. With a talented team of professionals and a relentless pursuit of excellence, The Gift Rogers Imagination stands poised to make its mark on the global film industry, one unforgettable story at a time.

Vision statement 

To become a leading African film and content company known for creating emotionally resonant, socially relevant, and visually captivating stories that spotlight African culture, elevate emerging voices, and transform lives through cinema.

Mission statement 

Our mission is to produce powerful films and multimedia content that inspire, educate, and challenge norms. We are committed to nurturing talent, promoting African narratives, and building a strong creative industry in the South East and across the continent.

Financial conclusion 

Lotanna is a culturally rich short film designed to be produced with a modest and carefully managed budget. The production will focus on delivering high-quality storytelling, strong cinematography, and atmospheric visual elements while maintaining efficient use of resources.

We are currently seeking financial support and strategic partnerships to help cover areas of production, including equipment, location logistics, cast and crew support, post-production, and film festival submissions.

With the right backing, Lotanna has strong potential for film festival circulation and international audience engagement, especially as global interest in African folklore and indigenous storytelling continues to grow.

Your contribution will help transform this powerful story from script to screen and contribute to the visibility of authentic African narratives in global cinema.

Thank you to the Feni Finance team for the incredible work you are doing to support creatives. Your commitment to empowering filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs through accessible funding is not only impactful but transformative. By creating opportunities for stories like ours to be told, Feni Finance is helping to shape culture, amplify important voices, and strengthen the creative economy. I truly appreciate the platform, guidance, and belief you extend to creatives, and I’m grateful to be part of this ecosystem.