Vote True is a gripping political story that inspires Nigerians to use their democratic authority to alter the country’s future.
A three-minute short film called Vote True, which was published ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 elections, took home an award at the Cannes World Film Festival this year, strengthening the belief that 2023 will mark Nigeria’s breakthrough on the international cultural scene.
At one of the most prominent film festivals globally, Toyin Elebe, the founder of Telefectiv Productions, which specializes in documentaries, TV shows, and feature films, took home the Best Voiceover prize.
Vote True, a gripping political thriller helmed by British director David Symmon and premiering in January 2023, inspires Nigerians to use their democratic authority to alter the country’s constitution.
Elebe describes the thrilling promise of the nation upon independence and the bitter unfulfillment that has followed in a voice that is deep like a sage’s and cadenced to compel his listeners.
A powerful montage of moments from Nigeria’s 1960 Independence Day, a moment of hope and optimism for the fledgling country, introduces the movie. Nigerians’ contagious excitement and brilliant colors are captured by Elebe’s camera as they celebrate their newfound independence. However, these pictures are soon contrasted with scenes depicting the nation’s present problems, such as poverty, insecurity, and corruption.
Elebe demonstrates via these people’s tales that change is achievable and that each of us has a responsibility to contribute to creating a brighter future for Nigeria.
The middle-aged corporate executive and film producer is optimistic but resolute, as he is passionate about Nigeria and feels it has the potential to become a first-world country. In order to rebrand the continent and realize its full potential, he wants to elevate African voices and narrative on a global scale.
Vote True earned the Grand Jury Award for Best Director at the New York International Film Awards and Best Actor at the Berlin Indie Film Festival, according to Elebe, who disclosed this information in an interview. It also won Best Voice-Over at the CWFF. “The film has also been nominated as a finalist at the Boden International Film Festival in Sweden and The Lisbon Film Rendezvous in Lisbon, Portugal,” said Elebe.
Through Telefectiv, Elebe and Symmons are expanding on their tentpole film franchise with more projects. According to Elebe, the team “has been encouraged by the success of Vote True.”
Elebe aspires to produce movies that contribute to the molding of Nigerian culture by narrating undiscovered tales. His goal is to make movies that will get viewers ready for the next big thing—a world of untapped possibility.
