AUTHOR, DIRECTOR

Daniel Emeke ORIAHI is one of the leading voices of the new generation of Nigerian filmmakers. An award-winning director, he is recognized for his distinctive cinematic style, blending psychological tension, emotional storytelling and visually striking filmmaking.

He studied Motion Picture Production at the National Film Institute of Nigeria. His graduation short film Waiting Lines won the Best Student Short Film Award at the ION International Film Festival, while Birth received the Audience Choice Award at the IN-SHORT Film Festival.

Daniel Emeke ORIAHI made his feature film debut with Misfit (2013), before gaining national recognition with Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015), one of Nollywood's highest-grossing films of the year and an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). He later directed Sylvia (2018), released internationally on Netflix, followed by numerous television productions.

In 2024, his psychological thriller The Weekend premiered at the Tribeca Festival, receiving international critical acclaim and multiple awards and nominations. The film further established Daniel as one of Africa's most exciting contemporary filmmakers and has since been licensed in numerous international territories.

He has also directed acclaimed television projects, including Netflix's Blood Sisters Season 2 (2026) further establishing his reputation for emotionally grounded performances and a restrained visual style. His latest feature, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (2026) is a contemporary adaptation of Lola Shoneyin's celebrated novel and an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Feature Films (Director)

• The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (2026)
• The Weekend (2024)
• A Ghetto Love Story (2024)
• Sylvia (2018)
• Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015)
• Misfit (2013)

Television & Series (Director)

• Blood Sisters Season 2 (Limited Series 2026)
• Etiti (TV Series, 2025)
• Afrocity (Web Series, 2020)
• My Name Is A-Zed (Web Series, 2020)
• Various television movies and series for Africa Magic, Iroko TV and EbonyLife.

Selected Short Films

• Waiting Lines (2009)
• Birth (2011)

Selected Awards & Recognition

• Best Student Short Film – Waiting Lines
• Audience Choice Award – Birth
• Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo – Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival
• The Weekend – World Premiere, Tribeca Festival, multiple international awards and nominations.
• The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives - World Premiere, Toronto International Film Festival