Winifred Iguwa’s short film IDIA is set to make its UK debut this October as part of York St John University’s Black History Month festivities, before premiering globally in Lagos at the 2025 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
Filmed entirely on location in the United Kingdom, IDIA is a 22-minute coming-of-age dance narrative that intertwines contemporary choreography with ancestral heritage. The story centers on Idia, a young dancer who dreams of leading a performance but faces mockery and self-doubt. Through reconnecting with her cultural lineage and inspired by the legacy of Queen Idia from the ancient Benin Kingdom, she finds renewed confidence and strength.
Director Winifred Iguwa emphasizes that the film transcends dance, focusing instead on the exploration of identity. “My aim was to craft a narrative about reclaiming power through one’s roots,” she shares. “IDIA serves as a testament to how culture can be a source of healing and transformation.”
The lead role of Idia is portrayed by Mia McKenzie, a Scottish-Nigerian student at York St John University, marking her first foray into acting. Aiso-osa Ehigiator plays Osas, Idia’s devoted single father whose unwavering support helps her rediscover herself, while Bonnie Milnes embodies Jo, the strict dance teacher whose tough love inadvertently sparks Idia’s personal growth.
Behind the scenes, the film showcases a blend of emerging and seasoned creatives. Cinematographer Marcos Avlonitis crafts a visually rich and moody atmosphere, while editor Jacob Bentley-Green carefully shapes the film’s emotional pacing. The soundtrack, composed by Rohail Javed alongside Simon Appleson, fuses traditional West African percussion with ambient electronic sounds, reflecting Idia’s internal conflict between heritage and modern life.
Winifred Iguwa, a Nigerian-born filmmaker based in the UK and founder of the Winifred Iguwa Network (WIN), continues her artistic journey of cultural reflection with IDIA. An alumna of York St John University’s Media Production course, she has previously directed TV series like Venge and Dust and acclaimed short films including Poker Face and Lost but Found. This latest work revisits themes of bravery, belonging, and the subtle process of self-assertion.
“Though set in the UK, the film is deeply anchored in Nigerian heritage,” Iguwa explains. “For me, dance is not just an art form but a powerful expression of self-confidence and identity.”
IDIA will be exclusively screened on October 21, 2025, at York St John University, with showings at both the York and London campuses. The York event will take place in Room FS036 at 4:00 PM, as part of the university’s Black History Month programme.
Following its UK debut, the film will travel to Lagos for its world premiere at AFRIFF 2025, scheduled from November 2 to 8, kicking off what is expected to be a vibrant international festival run.
IDIA resonates as both an intimate and universal tale-celebrating young women embracing their space and reminding us that the spotlight belongs to those courageous enough to claim it.
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