Sundance 2021: Nigeria’s ‘Lizard’ Wins Big

Lizard, Nigeria’s only submission for the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, has become the first Nigerian production in the festival’s history to win the Grand Jury Prize in the short film category.

The film was co-written by Akinola Davies, and Wale, his brother, It tells the story of an eight-year-old girl who was ejected from Sunday school service for her unusual ability to sense danger.

Lizard, which was set in Lagos in the 90s, features child actor, Pamilerin Ayodeji, alongside Osayi Uzamere, Charles Etubiebi and Rita Edward.

The organisers received entries from over 27 different countries before shortlisting 50 short films for the festival which held at Park City, Utah from January 29 to February 3.

Reacting to the big win, Davies wrote on Instagram:

“Literally a year to this day we started on a project conceived from a bunch of my childhood memories. Today I’m so grateful to @sundanceorg for awarding Lizard the Grand Jury prize for shorts. I’m overwhelmed and as much as I’d love to gloat, filmmaking is really crazy hard.”

“Big love to all those who were part of the shorts program – it’s an honour to be amongst such brilliant films. I have to say this award is really for the whole cast and crew who worked so hard and committed their all to this little film pre and during a global pandemic.

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“I’m so proud this was made in Lagos by the many hands that make up the beautiful people of Nigeria. I hope it serves anyone reading this who has a dream to commit to that dream however farfetch did it seems.

“And lastly but not least all those who watched the film – sent messages, emails, calls – those who read the script and gave feedback – on behalf of the whole film – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”