Chidi Mokeme, a Nigerian actor known for his memorable role as host of the popular reality show, ‘Gulder Ultimate Search’, and his excellent portrayal of the antagonist ‘Major Gomos’ in the Izu Ojukwu directed flick ‘76’ (now streaming on Netflix), is making his feature film directorial debut with “Bamboozler.”
The project is being developed by Dallas, Texas – based production house Begoty Media.
The multiple award-winning actor, who has just clinched the “Best Actor In An Independent Film“ award at the 2021 edition of the Hollywood & African Prestigious Awards (HAPAWARDS), in Los Angeles, California, for his formidable portrayal in “Pillars of Africa”, will also star in the film, which is billed as an “ode to the age long theme of marriage and infidelity”. As cofounder of Mad House Studios, he has previously had multiple credits as special effects director in movies like “Ijele”, “Igodo”, “Ikoro”, “Izaga”, to name a few, but this project marks the first time Chidi is pivoting behind the camera as full feature director.
“Bamboozler” is set in the modern metropolis of Dallas, Texas, and chronicles the life of a beautiful woman, whose quest for love leads her into the dark and deadly world of a serial womanizer and playboy, and a demented maniac, and serial killer. The stage is set for a fatally dangerous, entangling web of illicit romances and gruesome murders.
Dallas, the film’s setting, is the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, and provides the perfect backdrop for the dark erotic thriller.
The project was penned by actor and writer Franklin Tochi Nwosu (“District 14”, “Organic Transcription”) with additional story and script editing by Chidi Mokeme. Begoty Media head of content and acquisitions Belinda Babila, is developing the film, with Godlove Akong as show runner. They will both produce and executive produce.
According to Chidi, “‘Bamboozler’ is my take on the timeless themes of marriage and infidelity. It is a neo-noir suspense thriller with a thematic base in romance and erotic fantasy. I want to make a film which combines all the elements, a hybrid of different genres – thriller, romance, and softcore. It promises to deliver a potent combination of danger and romance that will definitely appeal to both male and female audiences irrespective of their sexuality.”
Babila added: “‘Bamboozler’ was conceived with Chidi in mind. He is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and esteemed actors of his generation. From the moment we first started speaking to him about the project, it was obvious that he really understood the characters at the core of the film and we knew he was the perfect person to help bring their stories to life. We had already been bamboozled by his body of work in front of the camera, and after interacting with him, I knew that if we brought him in as director, his extensive knowledge and vision would elevate the film to greater heights. My partners at Begoty Media agreed, and this exciting collaboration was born. Personally, and collectively, we are thrilled to be working with Chidi.
Begoty Media’s Godlove said: “Making this movie is a dream come true. We are excited to have Chidi, the quintessential Nollywood playboy, making a film about illicit romances and erotic fantasies. It’s a heartwarming storyline that never gets old, and we couldn’t be more excited having him at the helms and to bring his vision to the big screen.
The multitalented and versatile actor who has appeared regularly in film and television since 1990, has starred in over a hundred and fifty movies till date and has received many nominations and awards locally and internationally, including: Achiever’s Merit Award – Nigerian youth Organisation (NYO); Builders Charge Award – ZAFAA UK; Youth Ambassador – African Youth Federation (AYF); Certificate of Recognition – Youth and Gender Network (YGN); Youth Inspiration Award – Youth and Gender Network (YGN); Best Actor – Film and Music Exposition (FAME); Best Supporting Actor Nomination – The Movie Awards (THEMA); Best Actor Nomination – ZAFAA UK; Best Actor Nomination – Afro-Hollywood Awards; Outstanding Recognition Award – Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN); Outstanding Recognition Award – Nigeria Association of Science Students (NASS); Star Outstanding Recognition Award – HRH Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora; Best Actor of The Decade – PAMSA Awards; Best Actor – Teens Choice Awards
And most recently, “Best Actor In An Independent Film Award” from the Hollywood & African Prestigious Awards (HAPAWARDS).
Chidi became a household name after hosting the first and second seasons of the pioneer reality show in Nigeria, “The Gulder Ultimate Search” to national acclaim. He was brought back by popular demand to host the last three editions of the show (Seasons 9,10,11), before the show went off air. His film credits include: “Igodo”, “My Story”, “Omotara Johnson”, “Abuja Connection”, “Desperadoes”, “Black Sheep”, “Backdrop”, “First Lady”, “Last Kobo”, “Fire Dancer”, “Player”, “His Majesty”, “Silent Night”, “Anini”, “Who Will Tell The President?”, “Raging Passion”, “Mr. & Mrs.”, “Hitch”, “76”, “Akachi”, “Entangle”, “The Therapist”, “Pillars Of Africa”, and many more. The actor is already garnering a ton of awards buzz for his performance as ‘Scar’ in Dimeji Ajibola’s much anticipated movie “Shanty Town”. Starring alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Uche Jombo, Sola Sobowale, Zuby Michael and a host of other notable actors, insiders say the film reestablishes Chidi as an actor to reckon with and will thrust him back to the forefront of the best actor race.
After successfully conquering film and television, Chidi Mokeme is adding another feather to his cap, by pivoting behind the camera and taking on a new role as producer and director. ‘Bamboozler’, currently in principal photography, is the first, of a slate of three back-to-back directorial offerings from Chidi. His sophomore directorial project, set in Atlanta, Georgia is already in pre-production stage. And, We can’t wait.