A bold new voice in Nigerian cinema is drawing international acclaim and sparking conversations far beyond the screen. Anointed But Arrested, the latest feature from rising director Fejiro Oki, is not just a film it’s a social and spiritual reckoning.
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s complex religious and political landscape, the film tells the story of a young preacher whose divine calling leads him into a collision course with powerful state forces. What begins as a journey of faith soon spirals into a harrowing tale of persecution, injustice, and resilience.
Oki’s storytelling is raw and unapologetic. Through his lens, Anointed But Arrested becomes more than a narrative it becomes a mirror reflecting the lived experience of many Nigerians who navigate faith amidst rising authoritarianism, corruption, and societal expectations.
“This isn’t just about one man’s struggle,” Oki said during the film’s Lagos premiere. “It’s about millions who are silenced for speaking truth, who are punished for believing differently, and who continue to hold onto hope.”
The film has resonated with audiences at home and abroad, finding particular relevance in regions grappling with religious intolerance and political suppression. It has been hailed at international film festivals in Berlin and Toronto, and is already being discussed as a potential Oscar submission for Nigeria.
Critics have praised lead actor Chinedu Ikedieze for his powerful portrayal of the embattled pastor, bringing nuance and emotional depth to a character who refuses to compromise his calling even when imprisoned.
But the film’s impact goes beyond cinematic accolades. Religious leaders, civil society groups, and youth activists in Nigeria have seized on the film’s themes to reignite conversations about freedom of worship, police brutality, and the politicization of spirituality.
“There’s a reason this film is striking such a chord,” said Ngozi Iweala, a media analyst based in Abuja. “It taps into something deeply Nigerian the belief that faith can be both a shield and a sentence.”
As Anointed But Arrested continues its theatrical run and prepares for global streaming release, its message lingers: that faith, though often tested, can become a catalyst for change.
In a country where the pulpit and power often intertwine, Fejiro Oki’s work stands as a brave, necessary exploration of what it means to be anointed and what it costs.
