By ForKulture • September 25, 2026
Èbùn is not the kind of film one sees often on screens, but when one does, its primary focus on the Deaf exposes a misconstrued assumption about the underrepresented group and how silence connotes beauty and freedom.
In Nigeria, there's a certain lens through which people view the Deaf community. Largely, it is associated with a sense of pity not empathy. If anything, Èbùn as a film, confronts this perspective visually and psychologically.
The coming-of-age short film directed by Ekeh John Emeka and produced by Lucy ‘Abena’ Oigbochie follows Shade, a young girl, living in Lagos's relentless and chaotic noise, but who longs to hear it. She endures the stereotypes while navigating a journey of belonging, resilience, and love.
Shade, played by Annabel-Eme Asuquo, is portrayed as a fashion designer. In her world of silence, creativity thrives. Her illustrations are interesting. She has a mother who deeply loves her and can be described as her best friend. But, Shade still wants to hear. She longs to understand what people say that she can't decode.
Beyond the emphasis on completeness in oneself, Ebun is powerful in its advocacy.