Our Story

Making a film in Nigeria has been a long time ambition of mine. When the opportunity to be a part of Focus Features Africa First Program arose, it became a chance to make this ambition a reality. I was born in Nigeria and grew up traveling the world, but was fortunate to spend a few years of my childhood living there as well. Those experiences helped shape a view of African life that I've been eager to dramatize on film. It's one that I feel differs strongly from the images and stories that often travel out of Africa to rest of the world.

BIG MAN is a little story about two young boys growing up on Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria. Owoga is a mischievous, energetic kid always eager to play and Owoko is his sweet little brother who's just trying to keep up. It's summer vacation and all they want to do is adventure, just like their hero -- Indiana Jones. But when one of Owoga's games goes to far, both brothers must confront the fact that childhood isn't always fun and games.

The Impact

Focus Features Africa Africa First Program is an incredible initiative that is working to cultivate filmmakers of the African Diaspora. Despite the burgeoning video industries in Africa, like Nollywood in Nigeria, there has yet to be a sustainable industry that supports work that stretches beyond broad comedies and melodramas. With BIG MAN we're seeking to tell a story that stays true to the culture and it's values while expanding the horizons of African filmmaking so it can directly serve an African audience while also reaching other audiences around the world. 

We feel strongly that our lives are enriched by the multiplicity of worlds and stories that cinema can present us, often with an immediacy few other art forms can achieve. We ask you to join us as we seek to expand the dialog of world cinema and bring to audiences across the globe an exciting new set of stories that will reflect our shared human experience.

What We Need & What You Get

We've got a great start through our support from Focus Features and National Geographic's All Roads Film Project Seed Grants. The one missing piece of the puzzle is paying our insurance costs that will allow us to transport crew and equipment safely from New York to Nigeria and back. After those costs are covered we'll be able to put the rest of our resources directly on screen. With your help we'll be embarking a grand adventure and can't wait to bring back something great to share with everyone.

So please give what you can, spread to word to others and know that any effort you can spare goes a tremendous way in bringing BIG MAN to life.

More Information

www.toyclosetfilms.com

http://focusfeatures.com/africafirst/index.php

HOW THIS ALL WORKS

About Indiegogo

Indiegogo is a tool for anyone in the creative world to gather the support necessary for their projects. Indiegogos platform allows filmmakers like us to share our project with the infinite community on the internet, as well as with friends and longstanding allies of our work. We create a profile, set a fundraising goal and a time frame to meet it, and offer the rewards/incentives to bring donors into the family.

How Can I Contact You?

Wed love to hear from you!  You can contact us directly at robert@toyclosetfilms.com or by phone at +1 212 673-9600. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

What Are the Perks?

We couldnt do this without you, and to show our appreciation, we have lined up some great gifts in return for your generosity. All of our rewards are designed to give you a window into the world of BIG MAN, to honor your indispensable role in this production, and to take advantage of the films upcoming release.

What Else Can I Do to Help?