Ibinabo, a young husband and father-to-be, lives an unremarkable but exemplary life. He strives to prove himself to his boss, but gets caught up in the horrors of the October 2020 protests against police brutality.

Interview with Writer/Director Goga Clay

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Employee of The Month is a short film I wrote and directed following the Nigerian government's heavy-handed response to peaceful protests against police brutality. I wish to shed light on the atrocities committed by a repressive government.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Firstly, the subject matter is both relatable and universal. Secondly, it was shot on 16mm film, so in addition to a great story, you get a great look that hopefully paints a beautiful picture of all the characters and of Lagos.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

There was not much change in the script or film over development as we tried to mirror actual events as best we could.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been very positive so far. The vast majority have expressed an appetite to see a feature-length version of the short.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It has been a bit of a surprise. While I knew it was a universal story, I didn't expect it to connect the way it did with people from different regions of the world.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I'd like to spread awareness of the #EndSARS protests and also get distribution for the film.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I'm looking for producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

So far we have screened at several Oscar-qualifying film festivals around the world. I'd like for the film to keep a spotlight on atrocities committed not only in Nigeria but around the world.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

How much sacrifice should one be prepared to make in order to provide for their family?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm currently working on the feature-length version of the short film and also developing a 10-episode dramedy.

Interview: May 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Employee of The Month

Length: 18:56

Director: Goga Clay

Producer: Goga Clay

Writer: Goga Clay

About the writer, director and producer:

GOGA CLAY is a Nigerian-American filmmaker and former management consultant based between Atlanta, USA and Lagos, Nigeria. A Columbia University graduate, Goga began his career on Wall Street before transitioning to Management Consulting. With some of the world’s largest companies as his client, Goga got to work on a wide range of projects across various industries and was provided exceptional opportunities to work with senior executives and collaborate with talented people. The communication skills and executive presence acquired during this time continue to serve him in the creative industry. In 2017, driven by a desire for a deeper understanding of self, Goga quit his corporate job and went backpacking across three continents and 30 countries. Highlights of his adventures include reaching the crater of an active volcano in Costa Rica, getting roughed up in a Rio favela, hiking Machu Picchu, and getting unlawfully detained in Kenya. Upon return to the States, he transitioned to living from his passion for writing and adventure travelling. Goga is multilingual and uses his affinity for languages to develop characters and write dialogue in his stories.

Key cast: Tope Tedela

Looking for: producers, buyers and distributors

Twitter: @GogaClay

Instagram: @gogathecreative

Website: www.employeefilm.com

Other: IMDb