It was a night of culture, colour and cinematic splendour as filmmaker and author Laju Iren premiered her much-anticipated movie, ‘Onobiren,’ last Sunday, March 1, 2026, at EbonyLife Cinemas.
Themed “South-South Royalty,” the premiere turned the venue into a vibrant celebration of Niger Delta heritage. Guests arrived in regal traditional attire, reflecting the richness of the region’s culture. From ornate headpieces to flowing ensembles, the ambience was a proud display of identity and artistry.
Among dignitaries and celebrities at the event were Delta State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Orode Uduaghan; media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo; Lead Pastor of Celebration Church International, Emmanuel Iren; Michael Ejoor, Juliana Olayode, Blessing Nze, Ojoma Ochai, Ruby Akubueze, Desmond Bryce and Amanda Dara, among others.
The film, which began nationwide cinema screening on March 6, features a cast that includes Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, Patience Ozokwor and Norbert Young.
Speaking about her role, Ruby Akubueze, who played Roli, described her character as a determined woman who leaves home in pursuit of greener pastures despite life’s difficulties. She noted that ‘Onobiren’ would inspire conversations around women’s experiences and encourage more female-driven storytelling.
For Iren, the project is both personal and cultural. Drawing from her Itsekiri roots, she said the film seeks to broaden the representation of women and minority voices in mainstream narratives. Some scenes were shot in her grandmother’s village, Koko, in Delta State, a move she described as a deliberate effort to spotlight the South-South’s cultural landscape.
“At the end of the day, it’s one Nigeria, one Africa,” she said, adding that diverse cultural perspectives enrich storytelling and deepen its impact. She expressed hope that the film would spark dialogue around resilience, gender roles and the value of hard work.
Actor Desmond Bryce said he was drawn to the script’s vivid imagery and distinct setting. According to him, the story’s natural elements and emotional depth set it apart visually and thematically.
