CJ Obasi

C.J. Obasi, often referred to as "Fiery" or "The Fiery One," is a Nigerian filmmaker, writer, and director, recognized as a leading voice in the "New Nigerian Cinema" movement, often focusing on genre films and pushing the boundaries of Nigerian storytelling. Early Life and Education C.J. Obasi grew up in Owerri, South-Eastern Nigeria. As a child, he developed a deep passion for storytelling, influenced by Western horror films, such as those from Hammer House, and the novels of Stephen King. This early fascination led him to draw comics based on his favorite movies and superheroes. Obasi's foundational experiences greatly shaped his unique approach to filmmaking, blending Nigerian cultural narratives with international genre sensibilities. Career Progression and Notable Works Obasi's career began with independent filmmaking, where he quickly gained recognition for his distinct vision and commitment to the horror and sci-fi genres—areas previously underdeveloped in Nollywood. His major breakthrough came with the 2014 zombie apocalypse film *Ojuju*. Shot with minimal resources, *Ojuju* was critically acclaimed for its technical quality and innovative narrative, winning the Best Nigerian Movie award at the 2015 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Following *Ojuju*, Obasi cemented his status with the 2018 film *Hello, Rain*, a futuristic, dark fantasy short based on the Nnedi Okorafor novel *Hello, Moto*. His most notable work to date is the 2023 feature film *Mami Wata*. Filmed in black and white, *Mami Wata* explores West African folklore and mythology. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award for Cinematography. The film's success brought significant international attention to Obasi's work and positioned him as a key figure in the rise of Afrofuturism in cinema. Major Achievements and Current Status C.J. Obasi is a co-founder of the production company Fiery Film Company. He is celebrated for his unique contribution to Nigerian cinema by prioritizing quality genre filmmaking and leveraging international platforms like Sundance to showcase Nigerian narratives. His work, particularly *Mami Wata*, has been instrumental in earning critical acclaim for Nollywood globally. As of his most recent works, he continues to work as a Filmmaker based in Lagos, Nigeria, developing projects through his production company.