Dangerous Silence, a Nigerian short film, won an audience award at Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival. The film was written and produced by Ariel Lavi. Starring Olaide Almaroof, Otega Igho, and Jemima Adelekan and directed by Adeyinka Adetoyi.
About the Screenwriter and Producer- Ariel Lavi
Ariel Lavi, an internationally award-winning film producer, and screenwriter, has established himself in the global film industry. With an impressive track record of 98 awards and 54 nominations for the films he produced. His work has been screened and celebrated in 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, India, and Nepal.
As a multi-talented individual, Lavi has proven his prowess behind and in front of the camera, creating impactful films that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Equipped with invaluable skills and a deep understanding of the craft, he transitioned into the realm of international film production, solidifying his status as a judge at events such as the Sunset Film Festival and Hollywood Screenings Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Dangerous Silence
Among his notable works is the thought-provoking short film “Dangerous Silence,” which Lavi wrote and produced. This compelling film has earned numerous awards, including awards in Los Angeles and screening at Golden State Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. It was also nominated for Best Nigerian Short Film at the 19th Abuja International Film Festival.
The Concept and The Story
“Dangerous Silence” delves into the heartbreaking experiences of Lila, a young woman subjected to sexual abuse by Chiumbo and Gathee.
The film portrays Lila’s emotional turmoil and physical suffering as she gets abused in the name of the so-called ‘JOB.’ Gathee, initially hesitant to confront Chiumbo, ultimately finds the courage to fight back, but tragically, it may already be too late.
The story lives through powerful performances and poignant dialogues, highlighting the vulnerability and resilience of its characters.
The Thought Behind Creation
The thought behind the creation was to boldly explore a taboo subject that most people would rather avoid or, even worse, choose to ignore.
The film courageously confronts societal conventions and demands attention by focusing on a topic that has been kept in the dark for far too long. It sheds light on the traumatic experience of its character, eliciting a spectrum of emotions that will stay with the audience long after the credits roll.
The Message Delivered By The Film
Dangerous Silence” offers a powerful message and thought that highlights its characters’ unyielding strength and perseverance while exposing the horrible reality of abuse. Through their harrowing experiences, the film raises awareness about the importance of breaking the silence surrounding such atrocities, inspiring viewers to stand up against injustice.
Interview At The Lift Off Sydney Film Festival
During an interview at the Lift Off Sydney Film Festival, after the film won an Audience Award, Lavi shared insights into making “Dangerous Silence.” Here is the full interview:
Now let’s hover over the quick overview of the interview that sheds light on the inspiration behind a remarkable film, the hurdles overcome during its production, and the broader aspirations of the creator who made it all possible.
Could you tell us about the inspiration behind your movie?
Absolutely. The movie’s narrative mirrors the real-life experiences of a Nigerian girl I met. Despite my base in Israel, this encounter deeply resonated with me, prompting me to bring her story to life through cinema. Taking the film production to Africa certainly presented its own challenges, but the process was undeniably enriching.
So, the film was shot in Nigeria?
Indeed, the entire film was shot on location in Nigeria. The crew was comprised of professionals from the African film industry. Prior to this, my filmmaking experiences were in the US, Canada, and Dubai. However, my first venture into Africa was markedly the most challenging, pushing my filmmaking boundaries.
What were the most significant challenges in making this film? Were there any technical issues, or was it difficult to work with actors because you were the only crew member from Israel?
Absolutely, working in a different cultural context posed its challenges. The differences in behavior, accents, and working methods required a delicate balance. However, I approached these challenges with an open mind and a genuine desire to learn from the local talents. Building mutual understanding and respect allowed us to create a collaborative environment that elevated the storytelling process.
How did you enter the film industry? Did a particular film inspire you, or have you always known that you wanted to do this?
It all started with acting in school. When the pandemic hit, I realized that I needed to expand my skillset if I wanted to achieve something significant. So, I decided to produce my own films. The numerous awards and nominations surprised me, as I never expected to become a writer and producer. My original dream was always to act.
Do you still plan to pursue acting alongside your producing and screenwriting endeavors?
Absolutely! Producing and screenwriting have become integral parts of my creative process. However, my experience in acting has given me valuable insights into the craft and a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process. Moving forward, I plan to continue producing and writing while taking on acting roles aligning with my creative vision. This holistic approach allows me to immerse myself in the storytelling process fully.
It’s wonderful to hear that you’ll be juggling multiple roles and leveraging your diverse skill set. Looking ahead, what can we expect from you in the future?
I am committed to creating thought-provoking films that shed light on important social issues. My focus will be on producing impactful narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. By collaborating with talented individuals from different cultures, I aim to bridge gaps and amplify diverse voices. I believe that cinema has the power to spark conversations and drive positive change, and I’m excited about the future projects that lie ahead.
In a Nutshell
Ariel Lavi’s remarkable achievements in the film industry have made him a major player on the global stage. Knowing Ariel Lavi’s next story will be interesting as he continues producing narratives and exploring new ground.
