The Trybe is set to hold a private screening for its debut short film, I Find the Defendant…, in Lagos on August 27.
The 35 minute drama will be screened at 8 Montgomery Road, Yaba, in an invite only event that will bring together members of the cast and crew, industry professionals and film critics.
Directed by Michael Ajayi, I Find the Defendant… centres on AdeJazz, a celebrated jazz artiste whose life and career come under pressure after his girlfriend accuses him of sexual assault.
The story plays out in a Lagos courtroom as both sides present different accounts of what happened between the couple.
The prosecution presents an audio recording of an argument, medical reports and testimonies from Cynthia and her best friend. The defence, however, challenges her account and raises questions about inconsistencies and motive.
When AdeJazz takes the stand, he admits that there was a volatile argument but denies assaulting his girlfriend. He also reveals that their relationship involved consensual BDSM practices, creating another layer to the case as both sides offer conflicting interpretations of the events.
Rather than presenting the audience with a straightforward answer, the film uses multiple perspectives to examine how truth can be affected by perception, public opinion and the circumstances surrounding a case.
The story was written by Oluwadamisola Adeyinka, who later worked with director Michael Ajayi and producer Oguguah Denzel Ugochukwu to develop the project.
According to the team, the story stood out among several concepts they had been considering because of the questions it raises around sexual assault allegations, false accusations and the Nigerian judicial system.
The filmmakers also want the film to start conversations around consent, celebrity power, feminism, male vulnerability and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.
For The Trybe, the Lagos screening will serve another purpose beyond giving selected guests an opportunity to see the film. It will also mark the beginning of the film’s festival campaign.
I Find the Defendant… has already been selected for the Abuja Photography & Short Film Exhibition and the Twincity International Film Festival.
The screening itself will also follow the film’s courtroom setting. Guests have been asked to dress according to a “Law and Order” theme, while a Q&A session is scheduled to take place after the screening.
The film was produced independently, with funding described by the team as one of the major challenges encountered during production.
Despite the challenges, the filmmakers said they are particularly proud of the story and the way they approached its difficult subject matter.
I Find the Defendant… is The Trybe’s debut film. The production company was formed with an interest in telling African stories and creating films that encourage audiences to think about issues beyond the screen. A significant part of the production also came through the EbonyLife Creative Academy, with the filmmakers stating that about 95 percent of the cast and crew were members of the academy’s July 2025 intake.
The cast includes Benedict Emmanuel, Precious Onyekwelibe, Constance Izuogu, Empress Blessing Allen, Belu Ogbuka, Nisola Martins, Joy Ozichi and Aaron Akinyemi.
Oguguah Denzel Ugochukwu and Miriam Cole serve as producers, with Cole also credited as co producer. Other members of the creative team include Amen Joshua as director of photography, Adebiaye Fawaz as production designer, and Victor Donatus, who handled the sound design and score.
The private screening will give the team an opportunity to present the film to an industry audience before taking it further on the festival circuit.
