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By Doris Obinna
For filmmaker and TV host, Philomina Moses Lawson, it’s a double take today, as she premieres her debut feature film, Before You Wake and also unveils her production company, Phylmo Productions Ltd.
The film will premiere on YouTube via Philomina Moses TV, marking the first release in the company’s film slate and a new chapter in Lawson’s career.
Lawson, who is the movie’s executive producer, founded Phylmo Productions to develop original stories and produce content across film, TV, documentaries, digital entertainment and branded storytelling.
The company’s long-term vision is to create meaningful screen content, develop original intellectual property and build opportunities for collaboration within Africa’s creative industry and beyond.
Before You Wake follows Tunde, who gives up everything to care for the woman he loves. When Amara wakes to a future her wealthy parents have protected, Tunde discovers that the life he sacrificed for her has moved on without him.
The film features Kanaga Emmanuel Eme, Sophia Chisom aka Soso, Peter Inyang, Omobola Akinde, Uche Leona, Elvis Christian and Tarila Ayakoroma among others.
Produced by Phebe Tosan Atsemude, the film is directed by Peter Inyang, with Celia Daniel Oviri handling cinematography and Taribolouere Parke heading the makeup department.
Today’s premiere of the movie introduces the company’s first production, while its second feature film, Maid with Love, has completed principal photography and is currently in post-production.
The contemporary romantic drama follows a widowed novelist who begins to rediscover his voice and his heart through a maid he was never supposed to love. However, to build a future with her, he must confront the deceptions threatening to tear them apart.
The cast includes Taye Arimoro as Debo, Inegbenebor Osereme as Anna, Onyeka Mercy as Monica and Excel Blessed as Tiara, alongside other cast members.
Lawson also serves as executive producer of Maid with Love, alongside producer Phebe Tosan Atsemude. Daniel “Danay” Omogunloye directs the film, with cinematography by Celia Daniel Oviri, and makeup by Parcy’s Glow. Its release date is yet to be announced.
Lawson holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, majoring in Directing, and a master’s degree in Theatre Arts, specialising in Film and Media Studies. In 2022, she further developed her production expertise through training at EbonyLife Creative Academy.
Her film credits include production coordinator on Agbaranla and Tele X Zikora; first assistant director on Black Light; second assistant director on Iwa Akwa; and third assistant director on Stitches. She has also produced Salt, Unprovoked and The Interpreter.
Beyond filmmaking, Lawson has established a presence in television and entertainment through Moments with Phylmo, a programme where she interviewed winners of Nigerian Idol, creating opportunities for conversations with entertainment personalities about their experiences and achievements. She also co-hosts Casted and Screwed, a podcast that centers on filmmakers and discussions about the filmmaking industry
