Seunmanuel Faleye
Elegbede Abiodun
Tears for Enebi witnesses Faleye, Zakareeyah win best actor, actress awards in Dublin.
Tears for Enebi Dublin Movie Awards wins as Nigerian short film earns Best Actor and Actress awards, boosting its global recognition across film festivals.
Seunmanuel Faleye
Nigerian short film Tears for Enebi has recorded a remarkable international breakthrough after its lead actors Seunmanuel Faleye and Rahmah Zakareeyah won Best Actor and Best Actress in a Short Film respectively at the Dublin Movie Awards in Ireland.
Tears for Enebi Dublin Movie Awards wins marks another major milestone for the production, which continues to gain global attention following an impressive run across international film festivals.
The film, produced by Godspower Oshodin, has now secured more than 10 awards and earned at least 20 nominations worldwide, strengthening its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most impactful independent short films in recent years.
Faleye, who also co-produced and co-directed the project, and Zakareeyah were recognised for their emotionally compelling performances, which judges described as powerful and deeply authentic.
Tears for Enebi is a 16-minute drama inspired by the real-life experience of Enebi Annah, a beauty queen and poet who survived sexual assault involving a prominent figure linked to an anti-rape organisation. The film explores themes of trauma, resilience, and justice through a deeply human lens.
Directed by Peter Atigogo, Seunmanuel Faleye, and Sunki, the production brings together a strong ensemble cast including Rahmah Zakareeyah, Aitiya Hensley, and a young Kika Oshodin, with a special appearance by Nollywood veteran Foluke Daramola.
Speaking after receiving his award, Faleye described the recognition as a deeply humbling moment, noting that the film demanded total emotional and creative commitment from the entire cast and crew.
He also praised Zakareeyah’s performance, crediting her emotional depth as a driving force behind the film’s impact, describing their on-screen collaboration as a “powerful artistic conversation.”
Producer Godspower Oshodin said the growing international acclaim confirms the vision behind the project, stressing that the film’s message continues to resonate across global audiences and festival platforms.
With additional festival selections already lined up for 2026, Tears for Enebi continues to establish itself as a defining work in Nigerian short filmmaking, combining storytelling power with strong social advocacy.
