Ogo Okpue, a Nigerian filmmaker based in the United Kingdom, has been honoured with the Best Director award at the prestigious 2023 American Black Film Festival. His film, titled ‘A Song From The Dark,’ earned him this recognition at the event held in Miami, United States. The award was shared in a tie with talented up-and-coming African American film director Bryan Keith Montgomery Jr.

The American Black Film Festival, now in its 27th annual edition, stands as the largest black film festival globally, showcasing outstanding audio-visual works of black origin.

‘A Song From the Dark,’ which also secured the Best Actor category at the American Black Film Festival, received six nominations at the 2022 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in Nigeria. At the previous AMAA event, Okpue was honored as the Best Director for First Feature Film. The movie stars renowned Nollywood actress Nse Ikpe Etim and Wale Ojo, along with Ghanaian-born Vanessa Vanderpuye, Octavia Gilmore, Dean Kilby, and other talented individuals. The film, categorized as a fantasy-horror, aims to amplify the portrayal of heroes and heroines rooted in African traditional mysticism.

During his acceptance speech, Okpue expressed gratitude to God, his family, and friends. He dedicated the award to them, emphasizing the importance of believing in one’s work. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he extended his thanks to God, his wife, and the entire casting crew for their contributions to the success of the film.