Rising star Hauwa Issa known by her stage name Nananikeji, steps into a powerful new role behind the camera as she makes her producing debut with “The Middleground,” a supernatural faith-based thriller exploring the depths of divine love and the human struggle with unanswered prayers.

Written and directed by award-winning writer Olumide Kuti, The Middleground tells the story of Joromi, a young woman caught between life and death. Devastated by loss and years of unanswered prayers, she finds herself in a surreal in-between space. However, instead of moving on, she confronts the Angel of Death and demands answers from God. Her refusal to transition sparks a journey filled with divine revelations and spiritual depth.

In this faith-based supernatural drama, Joromi finds herself trapped in a void between life and death, but she refuses to transition. With years of unanswered prayers and relentless suffering, she demands an audience with the one being who has remained silent through it all—God.

The film features Chinnie Ibeh as the Angel of Death and Treasure Enagbare as The Convener. Both roles are positioned to bring emotional weight to the story’s spiritual undertone. Their characters play key roles in unfolding Joromi’s encounter with divine truth and the reality of God’s love, even in silence.

According to Nananikeji, producing The Middleground was a personal process rooted in faith and purpose. The story is positioned to reach those who have questioned God during painful seasons. While stepping into production for the first time, she also collaborated closely with Olumide Kuti to bring this vision to life, with a shared commitment to telling faith-driven stories that resonate deeply.

This project also marks Olumide Kuti’s directorial debut. Known for his storytelling, he brings both emotional and visual intention to this new role. Inspired by the scripture, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” the film carries a message that encourages reflection on divine timing, suffering, and love.

The film’s setting—a space between life and death—is used to reflect the main character’s inner turmoil. The visual tone is shaped to feel both intense and empty, aligning with Joromi’s emotional state. There is an emphasis on honesty over resolution, allowing the themes of courage, faith, love, and redemption to emerge naturally.

The Middleground aims to offer more than a dramatic narrative. Through its supernatural elements and faith-based message, it explores complex emotions in moments when God seems silent. The creative direction leans into spiritual tension, while the production choices support a story meant to inspire thought and connection.

With this debut, Nananikeji adds a new dimension to her career and introduces a project grounded in vision, vulnerability, and belief. The Middleground represents the beginning of what promises to be a compelling line-up of stories from her and Olumide Kuti.

The Middleground will premiere on the 18th of April, 2025 via YouTube (Capital Dreams Pictures).