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A new psychological drama “Lights Out” dealing with the topic of dementia is set to premiere in select theatres from April – May 2026.
Diaspora-based Productions, “Check Sense”, has unveiled the international premiere tour for “Lights Out”, a psychological drama exploring dementia.
Produced by Carista Asonganyi and Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy) and directed by Enah Johnscott, the film will roll out theatrically across Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ohio (USA) between April and May 2026, with additional distribution territories currently open for acquisition.
The film features award-winning British-Nigerian actor Wale Ojo alongside Nollywood veteran Shaffy Bello and Cameroonian star Syndy Emade. “Lights Out” has already built momentum on the festival circuit, with screenings at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) and the ORION International Film Festival, where it was a finalist for Best Feature Narrative.
It was also showcased at the 2025 Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF), earning nominations in over five categories. This includes Best Cinematography, ahead of its upcoming theatrical premiere across three territories this spring.
A peek into the “Lights Out” film
“Lights Out”, an 87-minute psychological drama (DCP; English, Pidgin English, with a French dub), follows Lucas, a retired security guard admitted to a dementia care facility after becoming consumed by the disappearance of his daughter. As his memory fractures, the narrative destabilises, blurring the line between cognitive decline and buried truth. The film poses a central question: is Lucas losing his grip on reality, or uncovering something others are intent on keeping hidden?
Shot in Limbe, Cameroon, the film engages with the stigma surrounding memory loss and mental health in African communities. Mental health issues are still frequently met with fear and mischaracterisation rather than care. Positioned as a character-driven work, “Lights Out” brings a distinctly African perspective to themes that resonate across the global arthouse landscape.
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The diaspora team that brought this film to life
Lights Out film poster via African Pictures International “Lights Out” is anchored by a cross-continental ensemble led by Wale Ojo, the award-winning British-Nigerian actor. His recent Best Lead Actor win for “Breath of Life” underscores his standing across Nollywood and international screens. Here, he brings a controlled intensity to the role of Lucas.
Opposite him, Cameroonian screen veteran Ngongang Elizabeth Wandji draws on nearly two decades of experience, reinforcing the film’s emotional core with a performance shaped by a prolific career across film and television. The supporting cast further deepens the film’s reach: Nollywood mainstay Shaffy Bello lends gravitas and emotional authority. While Syndy Emade — one of the defining figures of Cameroon’s contemporary cinema — embodies the project’s pan-African scope and collaborative ambition.
Behind the camera, producer Carista Asonganyi continues her focus on socially conscious storytelling. Writer-producer Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy) brings his signature blend of social commentary and character-driven narrative. While director Enah Johnscott extends his track record of globally recognised work, which includes “The Fisherman’s Diary”. The film launches with its world premiere on April 18, 2026, in Douala ahead of a wider multi-territory rollout. African Pictures International supports the project’s strategic communications and positioning.
Speaking on the challenges of bringing “Lights Out” to life, producer Carista Asonganyi reflected on both the creative and strategic demands of the project:
“One of the most challenging aspects was assembling the right team. I wasn’t simply looking for talented actors. I was looking for people who genuinely understood the themes we were addressing and were equally passionate about bringing that message to life responsibly. Beyond the casting, there is a very fine line between artistic expression and the kind of messaging that makes a sensitive subject accessible to a general audience. Dementia is a theme that tends to resonate most deeply with those who have lived experience of it, but our goal was to package this story in a way that is consumable, empathetic, and impactful for everyone. We are proud that Lights Out will now be seen across multiple countries in Africa, and we are hopeful for the greatest possible impact.”
— Carista Asonganyi, Producer
More information on the Premiere
“Lights Out” will debut with a coordinated international rollout spanning Africa and the United States. This marks its first public screenings across key diaspora and regional markets.
Premiere Schedule:
April 18, 2026. Cameroon Avant-Première | Majestic Cinemas Bessenge, Douala
May 1, 2026. Côte d’Ivoire & Pan-African Release | Majestic Cinemas, Abidjan (simultaneous release across Cameroon and select territories)
May 2, 2026. Ohio, USA Premiere | Phoenix Theatres Lennox Town Centre 24 | 777 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212
Key cast and producers will attend select screenings alongside invited industry and cultural stakeholders. As the film expands internationally, the producers welcome engagement from distribution platforms, cultural institutions, and government bodies. Additionally, they are seeking mission-aligned partners focused on public health, ageing, and social impact storytelling.
Read more: Lydia Lawrence-Nze on building a legacy, owning her story and the making of Only Good Films
React to this post!The post Carista Asonganyi’s latest film, “Lights Out” starring Wale Ojo, is set to captivate audiences appeared first on Marie Claire Nigeria.
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