February 2025
PIDGIN
On this day in 1897, the British Punitive Expedition (Benin Invasion) concluded, leading to the collapse of the illustrious dynasty of one of Africa's most powerful kingdoms.
"Paying tribute to the Benin Kingdom, I introduce to you 'PIDGIN'."
In 2017, I created PIDGIN as a high-concept screenplay designed for cinema. In late 2018, after presenting it at MIPTV in France, it caught the attention of Canal Plus, leading to discussions about production. However, the project was put on hold due to budget limitations. In late 2024, I decided to share it with the world in a new way—I turned it into a "Romantic high fantasy and historical fiction novel!"
PREMISE:
In 1472, under the illustrious rule of Oba Ewuare the Great, the Benin Kingdom witnessed the historic arrival of fair-skinned explorers from Portugal. Professing a desire to establish trade relations with the Benin people, they concealed their true motives, yet the Oba, recognizing their deception, decisively dismissed them. (Fact)
The Oba's decision resonated powerfully with an ancient prophecy dating back to the era of the kingdom's founding rulers, the Ogisos of Igodomigodo.
The arrival of the Portuguese marked an ominous prelude to the inevitable downfall of Benin. Fiction
Fast forward 425 years to 1897, during the reign of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, when the British invaded the Benin Kingdom, dismantling its authority and appearing to fulfil the prophecy of 'white darkness'—or was there more to the story?
Pidgin reimagines the 1897 British invasion of the ancient Benin Kingdom, presenting an alternate history where a determined and well-prepared Benin people stand in fierce resistance, reshaping the conventional narrative. The narrative boldly celebrates the profound heritage and legacy of the Benin people, masterfully reinterpreting a pivotal historical moment while paying tribute to the real individuals and events that defined it.
PIDGIN masterfully blends romantic high fantasy with historical fiction, boldly drawing from the vibrant and powerful legacy of the Benin Kingdom in modern-day Nigeria. It explores the kingdom's intricate relationships with external powers, weaving together themes of prophecy, rebirth, time travel, destiny, and the unavoidable collapse driven by foreign intervention. Blending historical insight with imaginative storytelling, the plot powerfully underscores the profound and transformative impact of cultural clashes triggered by colonization.
Available in Hardback, Paperback and EPUB.
Visit www.xtanlee.com to order a copy. Thank me later
#unwavering
#byallmeans
#literatureandhistory
#xtanlee
"Paying tribute to the Benin Kingdom, I introduce to you 'PIDGIN'."
In 2017, I created PIDGIN as a high-concept screenplay designed for cinema. In late 2018, after presenting it at MIPTV in France, it caught the attention of Canal Plus, leading to discussions about production. However, the project was put on hold due to budget limitations. In late 2024, I decided to share it with the world in a new way—I turned it into a "Romantic high fantasy and historical fiction novel!"
PREMISE:
In 1472, under the illustrious rule of Oba Ewuare the Great, the Benin Kingdom witnessed the historic arrival of fair-skinned explorers from Portugal. Professing a desire to establish trade relations with the Benin people, they concealed their true motives, yet the Oba, recognizing their deception, decisively dismissed them. (Fact)
The Oba's decision resonated powerfully with an ancient prophecy dating back to the era of the kingdom's founding rulers, the Ogisos of Igodomigodo.
The arrival of the Portuguese marked an ominous prelude to the inevitable downfall of Benin. Fiction
Fast forward 425 years to 1897, during the reign of Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, when the British invaded the Benin Kingdom, dismantling its authority and appearing to fulfil the prophecy of 'white darkness'—or was there more to the story?
Pidgin reimagines the 1897 British invasion of the ancient Benin Kingdom, presenting an alternate history where a determined and well-prepared Benin people stand in fierce resistance, reshaping the conventional narrative. The narrative boldly celebrates the profound heritage and legacy of the Benin people, masterfully reinterpreting a pivotal historical moment while paying tribute to the real individuals and events that defined it.
PIDGIN masterfully blends romantic high fantasy with historical fiction, boldly drawing from the vibrant and powerful legacy of the Benin Kingdom in modern-day Nigeria. It explores the kingdom's intricate relationships with external powers, weaving together themes of prophecy, rebirth, time travel, destiny, and the unavoidable collapse driven by foreign intervention. Blending historical insight with imaginative storytelling, the plot powerfully underscores the profound and transformative impact of cultural clashes triggered by colonization.
Available in Hardback, Paperback and EPUB.
Visit www.xtanlee.com to order a copy. Thank me later
#unwavering
#byallmeans
#literatureandhistory
#xtanlee
LISTEN TO A SEGMENT OF THE BOOK BELOW:
Martyr Movie (2D Animation)
I'm excited to share that our 2D animation project "MARTYR" will be on Amazon next month. I look forward to presenting the finished work to everyone. Keep an eye out for further news! "MARTYR" is a MIGHTY JOT presentation. Watch the TEASER above.
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Film Resolve, Worcester
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I recently finished the practical component of a filmmaking workshop in Worcester, designed for children and teenagers aged 7 to 19. The workshop; Film Resolve, typically begins with a few days dedicated to theoretical concepts before transitioning into hands-on practice. The training commenced on February 17, 2025, during which we produced a movie titled "The Last Breakfast."
At this year's inaugural Film Resolve, two young talents caught my attention: James Barratt, who I anticipate will emerge as one of the leading Directors of his generation, and Jonos Pahl, who impresses me as a Producer with an exceptional ear for music! Remember these names! The movie we produced (The Last Breakfast) is set to premiere in the coming weeks, as soon as the editing is finished. I plan to continue the Worcester "FILM RESOLVE" with comparable workshops in Leeds, Gillingham, Milton Keynes, Woolwich, Sheffield, and Aberdeen. Feel free to connect if you'd like to collaborate with me to bring Film Resolve to your city! The film made by the kids at Film Resolve in Sittingbourne, Kent premiered at the Africa International Film Festival in Lagos - Nigeria, last year. Film Resolve, established in 2013, is a creation of my company, Mighty Jot Ltd, which also produces the Realtime International Film Festival and supports the Midlands Indie Collective; both my initiatives. These workshops are designed to uncover new talents and support them in bringing their creative dreams to life. This year, we aim to support the production of at least two debut feature films created by young individuals, particularly teenagers. My sincere gratitude goes to Jessica Pahl, the Worcester Art Gallery, Andy, and Allan for their generous support. We extend our gratitude to West Mercia Police for permitting us to include one of their patrol cars in our film. Their assistance followed a response to a call from a homeless man who had observed the expertly staged conflict performed by our talented young actors on the indie film set. Their performance was so convincing that it deceived the homeless man, prompting him to call the police. Let me not forget to give a special shout-out to my son, David, who consistently supports me by helping facilitate these sessions. |
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Throwback to Film Resolve, Sittingbourne.
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NEW DOCUMENTARY PROJECT:
"NOT HOME" sheds light on the issue of homelessness in the UK. But it doesn't stop there - I'm collaborating with CEO Sleepout UK to raise funds for their work to end homelessness. If you'd like to support the cause and make a difference, please visit my fundraising page and donate generously. Every little bit counts towards making a positive impact. To kick off my fundraising efforts, I've already made the first donation towards my CEO Sleepout UK fundraiser. Donations go directly to the charity and not towards the production costs of the documentary; which is wholly funded by my company; Mighty Jot. I took part in the SleepOut six times last year, and I am already gearing up to return to Kent next month! CLICK TO VISIT THE FUNDRAISER PAGE |
CEO Sleepout UK (Kent) Documentary
International Women's Day
VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW
Film Review
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ACADEMIC REVIEW OF STANLEE OHIKHUARE'S MOVIE TITLED "A TUNE AWAY"
"A TUNE AWAY," a movie written, produced, and directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare was recently reviewed by Cambridge University's African Studies Review.