Between You & Me | Dir. Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor

After relocating to a small town with his mother, Éli, a lonely teenager, finds solace and a sense of belonging in a local bookshop, where he develops a deep bond with Lulit during a serene summer. However, their connection becomes complicated as they contemplate their growing romantic feelings for each other.
Director's Statement
I began writing "Between You & Me" during a confusing chapter in my life. The story unexpectedly became a crucial piece of my own healing journey, offering me deeper insight into life, especially given the similarities between myself and the main character, Éli. The film deliberately leaves the conflict open-ended, allowing for diverse interpretations. In their youthfulness, Éli and Lulit act impulsively, guided by genuine curiosity and the allure of youthful attraction. Yet, beneath the surface, there exists an unspoken dialogue about their differing faiths-a subtle awareness, though not necessarily a profound understanding. "Between You & Me" delves into the beauty of love and blissfulness, unburdened by societal and moral constraints imposed upon individuals of faith. As the story unfolds, Éli doesn't turn to his faith out of guilt or obligation but as a source of healing. The concept of a path and hope becomes his catalyst for moving forward. I hope that Éli's journey resonates with viewers, inspiring them to embark on their paths of healing and self-discovery.
Produced, Written & Directed. Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor
Production Company. EPA Productions
Co-producer & 1st AD. Bunmi Oyateru
Cinematography & Grade. Lorraine Khamali
Art Direction. Chenai Nduru
Casting. Lucy Kenny & Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor
Costume Design. Stephanie Fragakis & Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor
Sound Recordists. James Alden Berry & Leon Dobson
Sound Editor. James Alden Berry
Film Editor. Udochukwu Emeka-Okafor
Typographer. Bunmi Oyateru
Starring. Luke Rodrigues Ballard, Lougane Osman and Anesu Nöelle Mande
Featuring. Rory Cogavin and Father George Ajana
Music.
Original Music Score. "Voice of God" by BINA
"Between You & Me" by James Alden Berry
"Sundown" by Lechani, Primal, jÉZA, Bajo, The Shepherd
"Lucy Babe" by Pipedream
Special thanks. Marie Akpovi, Josie Juneau, Ladi Williams, Kelechi Nwaoba, Wilma Aduboffour, Bridget Isaacs-Sodeye, Margaret Ajanaku, Rodney Charles, Yinka Lambo, Joseph & Jennifer Akpovi, Sidney Osage, Dele Dada, Chijoke Igwe, Lottana Okoli, Charles Monu, Adi Khamali, Liberty Mosse, Amandine Forest-Aguié, and St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Richmond.
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About Udochukwu ↯
Udochukwu draws inspiration from indie cinema, citing works like "Past Lives" (2023) by Celine Song and Bang Woo-ri's "20th Century Girl." She identifies with Robert Bresson's philosophy, expressing a preference for audiences to feel a film before fully understanding it. Early in her career, Udochukwu stands by the belief that emotional resonance is a powerful aspect of filmmaking.
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