Dear Supporters and Film Enthusiasts,
We are Tope and Leke Laguda, and we are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your support in bringing our passion project to the global stage. We are embarking on a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the publicity and marketing of our independent film, "What No One Knows."
What No One Knows is an award-winning narrative feature film with themes of cultural pressures, friendships, secrets and betrayals. Self-funded and shot entirely in Lagos, Nigeria, winning “Best Feature Film” at the Festival International du Film Panafricain (Cannes, France) and “Spotlight Feature Film” at the Topaz Film Festival (Dallas, United States), it tells the story of two women, lifelong friends, who share a devastating secret that they think will bind them forever, but which ultimately tears them apart.
Our mission is to redefine the perception of films created by Nigerian filmmakers. In the global film market, there has been a prevailing stereotype that associates quantity with films from our region rather than quality. This misconception has made it challenging for us to showcase our work on a global platform through established distribution channels. Undeterred by this challenge, we have decided to take matters into our own hands and self-release our film.
This decision comes with its own set of responsibilities, particularly the financial burden that would traditionally be handled by a distribution company. We are now tasked with overseeing the entire campaign and release of "What No One Knows," a story that has taken 16 years to make and is approaching its 18th year since inception. We firmly believe that this film has the potential to change the narrative of how films from our part of the world are perceived, opening doors for future filmmakers.
This isn't just about us; it's about creating opportunities for those who are yet to realize their dreams. We are taking on this challenge not only for our own aspirations but to make the path smoother for those who will follow. By supporting us, you are not just contributing to the success of our film; you are becoming a part of a movement that aims to pave the way for aspiring filmmakers in the future.
We've poured our hearts, souls, and resources into this project, and now we are turning to you, our community, for assistance. The funds we raise will be dedicated to marketing, organizing screenings across the country, and conducting Q&A sessions after these screenings. Additionally, your contributions will support the media and PR efforts necessary to give "What No One Knows" the attention it deserves.
To express our gratitude for your support, we have curated a range of rewards based on the amount you contribute. These rewards are detailed on our campaign page, and they will be dispatched after the campaign concludes. Your generosity will not only result in tangible rewards but also in the indescribable feeling of being a part of something transformative.
THE ORIGIN OF THE STORY:
The idea of What No One Knows first came to me in 2006 after having my first child. I don't know if I was going through post-partum depression, the effect of which led me to look at my new-born and ask, "what if she was someone else's child?"
Fast-forward 12 years and I finally had the script, but this was only the beginning of a series of ups and downs, culminating in the Covid-19 lockdown.
After several iterations of the script, and with crew and casting complete, WNOK was finally shot in 2022 over 21 days across multiple locations in Lagos, Nigeria. The brilliant and varied team helped make this authentic story reflecting on friendships, social pressures and a relatively unknown, but devastating disease in Nigeria, a reality. Its success and acceptance at film festivals in France, United States, South Africa, and Nigeria, has been a strong indication of its global appeal.
An intensely personal piece, I feel like we achieved our goal of shooting in an accessible, frank, and honest way for the viewer.
The money raised from this film will help in pushing it out via independent release.
Allow us to introduce ourselves further:
**Tope Laguda:**
Tope is a trailblazer in the industry, with a career that spans from being a child star in 80's TV commercials to her current role as Co-Director of I HAVE AN IDEA ENTERTAINMENT LTD. With a degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, Tope's journey includes notable achievements in events management and financial services. A graduate of Acting for Film from the Met Film School in London, Tope has already received recognition for her work in "What No One Knows," winning awards such as Best Debut Actor at the 2022 Cannes World Film Festival and the 2023 Mpumalanga International Film Festival.
**Leke Laguda:**
Leke's involvement in the entertainment industry dates back to 1999 when he worked at Cool FM, one of Nigeria's foremost private radio stations. Known as "Lakeside," Leke produced and presented various shows, showcasing his versatility and creativity. A poet and writer, he won a Poetry writing competition in 2006. Leke is also a Co-Director of I HAVE AN IDEA ENTERTAINMENT LTD.
We've created something special, and we believe it deserves to be seen by the world. Join us on this journey by supporting our crowdfunding campaign and helping us change the narrative for filmmakers of Nigerian descent. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for future storytellers.
Thank you for being a part of our story.
Sincerely,
Tope and Leke Laguda