See What Shimataver is up to with Language of the Wind

Last Year, Shimataver Igbawua was selected as one of the emerging young filmmakers by the British Council to develop short films under its inaugural Film Lab Africa initiative. He wrote and produced “Salamatu’s Rhapsody”, a bold coming-of-age short that screened at the Nigerian International Film & TV Summit in Lagos and London, and was officially selected for Film Africa 2024

in London, and received UK Film Award recognition. 

This year, Shimataver Igbawua is back!!! This time, he has taken the bold step of producing and directing a full-length feature, Language of the Wind, filmed in Northern Nigeria entirely by independent means, working with his small but dedicated creative team. 

The completion of this feature is a result of significant industry recognition, where he was recently selected as one of twelve champions for the prestigious CcHUB Media & Entertainment Hub Champions Program focused on gender-equitable storytelling. This incredible honour placed Shimataver among industry dignitaries like Joke Silva, Biodun Stephen, Omoni Oboli and Uche Pedro and included a transformative learning experience at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

Reflecting on his journey from supported artist to independent producer, Shimataver shared, 

“This film represents everything I’ve been becoming as an artist, as a producer, and as a storyteller,” he says. “It’s personal, it’s cultural, it’s layered, and I want audiences to experience it with the same care we created it with patience and wonder.”

Shimataver's progression as a young filmmaker represents a narrative of artistic growth and creative independence that is sure to capture the attention of industry watchers and film enthusiasts alike. We can hardly wait to see what Shimataver has in store next. 

Details about the film's title, cast and release plan\strategy remain under wraps as the movie is now in post-production and prepares for what promises to be a carefully choreographed reveal.

 Follow Shimataver on Instagram and Twitter/X: @shimataver