Julianah Abejide never imagined that her journey from tech professional to filmmaker would begin with a leap of faith. Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Julianah spent over a decade leading IT-driven projects and advocating for women and youth in technology. But something deeper stirred within her, a calling to tell stories that reflected the hidden emotional and spiritual struggles of immigrants like herself.
This Easter weekend, that calling comes to life through her debut short film, Edge of Darkness. The film, premiering on YouTube under her new media platform The Priesthood Productions, is more than a creative project. It is a deeply personal testimony, inspired by the quiet battles she and others in the Nigerian-Canadian community have faced. While moving abroad often symbolizes hope and opportunity, Julianah understands the flip side, the isolation, loss, and identity crises that can shadow even the most determined pursuit of a better life. The movie stars exceptional talents such as Eseosa Bernard, Ayobami Awe and Soledayo Adegbite among others.
“Edge of Darkness is truly a piece of my heart,” Julianah says. “It was born from witnessing the silent suffering so many of us carry while trying to stay strong. It’s about those moments when faith becomes your only anchor, and grace appears just when you think you’ve reached the edge.” Through raw emotion, minimal dialogue, and carefully chosen scripture, the film explores the internal battles of African women navigating life in a foreign land. It’s a reflection of Julianah’s passion for using creativity to make a social impact, blending her background in innovation with a spiritual lens. Her career path has been impressive: a recipient of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and a trusted leader in business analysis and tech strategy. But filmmaking, she says, offers a different kind of influence.
“Tech gave me a voice in boardrooms,” she reflects. “But storytelling allows me to reach hearts.” With The Priesthood Productions, Julianah aims to build a platform for faith-based, emotionally resonant narratives that spotlight the untold stories of the African diaspora. Edge of Darkness is just the beginning of what she hopes will be a movement toward healing and hope. As the film prepares to debut this Easter, Julianah invites audiences to reflect on the unseen burdens many immigrants bear and the power of faith to restore light in the darkest seasons. In sharing her story, she hopes others find the courage to face their own, and discover the grace waiting to meet them there.