Diaspora-Based Check Sense Productions Sets International Premiere Tour for 'Lights Out,' Starring Wale Ojo
- African Pictures International
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Dementia psychological drama from the team behind Cameroon's Oscar-submitted Half Heaven opens theatrical rollout across Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ohio in April–May 2026. All distribution territories available.
Atlanta, GA March 24, 2026
Diaspora-based Check Sense Productions has announced the international premiere tour for Lights Out, a psychological drama produced by Carista Asonganyi and Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy) and directed by Enah Johnscott. The film stars award-winning British-Nigerian actor Wale Ojo alongside Nollywood veteran Shaffy Bello and Cameroon's Syndy Emade.
The feature, which previously screened at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) and the ORION International Film Festival, where it was a Finalist for Best Feature Narrative Film was featured at the 2025 Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF), where it received nominations across more than five categories, including Best Cinematography, and moves into theatrical premiere across three territories this spring.
PREMIERE SCHEDULE
April 18, 2026 | Cameroon Avant-Première | Majestic Cinemas Bessenge, Douala
May 1, 2026 | Côte d'Ivoire & Pan-African Release | Majestic Cinemas, Abidjan Simultaneous release across Cameroon and select Pan-African territories.
May 2, 2026 | Ohio, USA Premiere | Phoenix Theatres Lennox Town Center 24 | Venue: 777 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212
Key cast and producers are expected to attend, alongside invited industry and cultural stakeholders. Following its Cameroon premiere, the film will continue its international rollout across West Africa and the United States. Additional engagements will be announced..
THE FILM
Lights Out (87 min., DCP English, Pidgin English & Dubbed in French ) follows Lucas, a retired security guard placed in a dementia care facility after becoming consumed by his daughter's disappearance. As his memory deteriorates, he must determine whether he is losing his grip on reality or uncovering a truth others want buried.
Shot in Limbe, Cameroon, the film confronts the stigma surrounding memory loss and mental health within African communities, a subject often met with fear or mischaracterisation rather than care. Positioned as a character-driven psychological drama, it brings a distinctly African perspective to themes that resonate across global arthouse cinema.
"Through Lucas's perspective, the film places the audience inside a mind struggling to hold onto reality, inviting empathy before judgment. What appears as conspiracy slowly reveals confusion reflecting the emotional truth of cognitive decline." Enah Johnscott, Director
"This film comes from lived experience and from observing families quietly navigating dementia without support. We approached the story with compassion rather than spectacle." Carista Asonganyi, Producer
"Lights Out is intended to spark conversations that move beyond fear and toward awareness and care." Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy), Writer/Co-Producer
THE CAST
Lights Out 2026 film Cast — Cameroonian psychological drama starring Wale Ojo"
Wale Ojo Lead Lucas
Award-winning British-Nigerian actor Wale Ojo is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious performers working across Nollywood and international markets. His accolades include Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy (2015), Best Supporting Actor (2018), Best Actor in a Drama (2018), and Best Lead Actor (2024) for Breath of Life, as well as an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Ngongang Elizabeth Wandji Lead Monica
A veteran powerhouse of Cameroonian cinema, Ngongang Elizabeth Wandji brings nearly two decades of screen experience to Lights Out. With over 30 film and television credits to her name, including the popular series Bad Angel. She is one of the most recognised and decorated performers in the industry. Her accolades include Best Actress at the LFC Awards and induction into the Cameroon Wall of Fame in April 2025.
Shaffy Bello Supporting Maria
A veteran of Nollywood with a career spanning decades, Shaffy Bello brings formidable dramatic weight to the ensemble. Her presence anchors the film's emotional credibility within its institutional and familial settings.
Syndy Emade Supporting Beri
One of the defining voices of Cameroon's contemporary cinematic renaissance, Syndy Emade brings the cross-border collaboration into sharp relief, underscoring the film's pan-African identity and its relevance to both Cameroonian and Nigerian audiences.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Carista Asonganyi Producer / Founder, Check Sense Productions
Carista Asonganyi is a Cameroonian producer focused on socially resonant African storytelling. Her previous credit, Half Heaven (2022), directed by Enah Johnscott and starring Syndy Emade, Roland Seehoffer and Chidi Mokeme, was Cameroon's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards (2024), expanding the country's international visibility on the global stage.
Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy) Writer / Producer
Buh Melvin, professionally known as Baba Proxy, is known for Nganù (2023) and Half Heaven (2022), as well as writing credits on The Fisherman's Diary. His work blends social commentary with character-driven narratives grounded in African realities.
Enah Johnscott Director
Enah Johnscott previously directed Half Heaven (Prime Video), Cameroon's official Oscar submission, and The Fisherman's Diary (Netflix), one of the country's most internationally visible films. With Lights Out, he continues his focus on psychologically layered storytelling rooted in social consciousness.
DISTRIBUTION & PARTNERSHIP
Lights Out opens with its world première on April 18, 2026 at Majestic Cinemas, Douala, Cameroon, before its multi-nation release on May 1, 2026.
The producers welcome engagement from additional distribution platforms, cultural institutions, government bodies, and mission-aligned partners whose mandates intersect with public health, aging, and social impact storytelling. Interested parties are invited to contact the production directly.
STRATEGIC PARTNER
African Pictures International is supporting strategic communications and premiere rollout for Lights Out during its 2026 engagement period.
"Lights Out addresses dementia and mental health with compassion and dignity, and we are proud to support Check Sense Productions in strengthening its strategic visibility." Sahndra Fon Dufe - Founder, African Pictures International
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Producers: Carista Asonganyi, Buh Melvin (Baba Proxy) |
Director: Enah Johnscott |
Cast: Wale Ojo, Ngongang Elizabeth Wandji, Shaffy Bello, Syndy Emade, Libota MacDonald, Irene Nangi, Brenda Shey Elung |
Production Company: Check Sense Productions |
Production Location: Limbe, Cameroon |
Language: English, Pidgin English & Dubbed In French |
Runtime: 87 minutes |
Exhibition Format: DCP |
Festivals: Silicon Valley African Film Festival (screened); Abuja Film Festival (official selection); ORION International Film Festival (ORION IFF) |
To attend or request press accreditation:
Cameroon | WhatsApp: +237 650 438 308
United States | RSVP: eventbrite.com/e/lights-out-movie-premiere-tickets-1979979914223
Press inquiries (all territories): See below
PRESS CONTACTS
African Pictures International
Phone: (+234) 704 928 0787
Phone: +1 404 647 4952
PRODUCTION
Check Sense Productions
Carista Asonganyi, Founder & Producer
Phone: +1 (614) 344-6773
Phone: (+237) 650 438 308
Reported By African Pictures International
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