MOVIE: NARRATIVES OF BEYOND THE VEIL

 

 

 A new innovative movies surrounded by narratives of societal change from the beliefs and old age customs and traditions has finally emerged to satisfy fun and movie lovers needs.

Beyond The Veil follows the lives of five resilient Northern Nigerian women as they navigate the ups and downs of modern life, careers, friendships, romances and the occasional clash of cultures.


Synopsis:
After miraculously surviving a devastating car crash, Na'ima decides to begin her journey towards healing, supported by her dear friends Baddriyah and Hanifa, as she recovers and undergoes physical and mental therapy. She faces several hurdles, including her deepening relationship with Matthew, which her mother and society do not entirely support due to salient cultural and religious differences.
Baddriyah ‘Baddie’ finds herself grappling with the harsh reality of being trapped in an abusive marriage, struggling to come to terms with her situation. She lives a double life: one in front of the cameras as a famous influencer and the battered wife in private. This causes her to close off and find a surprising place of understanding and comfort in her ‘rival’, Sadiq’s first wife, Bilqis.
Hanifa, on the other hand, shares the burden of the financial strain brought about by Ahmadu’s failed business venture, all while being pregnant. Despite warnings from her Doctor concerning her precarious pregnancy, she continues to push herself to take on freelance work. Ahmadu, on the other hand, is fully committed to making his relationship with Hanifa work, forcing himself to chase down contract payments owed him and enlisting the help of a former schoolmate, Rakiya. Hanifa's younger sister, Afrah, a conservative woman in Abuja for her National Youth Service, decides to live with Hanifa and help care for the children. With Afrah's support, household responsibilities are shared, granting Hanifa the freedom and space to explore her creative talents.
Following the passing of Bappa, Zizi resigns as the Minister’s ADC and keeps a low profile, channelling her focus toward a promotion at work. While pursuing the promotion, she meets Tarik, a police officer, on transfer to the same training programme. Their undeniable chemistry adds a layer of tension to their professional workspace. Zizi is further challenged by Kassim’s efforts to reconnect with her and explain why she left him months earlier. This is further complicated by the presence of Kassim’s fiancée, Maryam, whose family applies pressure on him to set a wedding date.
All the women face ongoing challenges, some of which are layered and continued from the first season, many of which reach a climax and achieve some closure. All the recurring themes of friendship, love, healing, and even pain remain in it. They must push past and grow through all these, making choices that hurt and step bravely into the unknown, even at the cost of loss. These are the women, the lives, the loves, the regrets and the resilience behind the scenes, beyond the veil.

Director’s Statement
"Beyond the Veil" is a show inspired by the urge to depict Northern Nigerian women in a new and liberating way. It follows the lives of five young women living in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The show builds a refreshing narrative around them but does not shy away from exploring the realities they face.
For me, "Beyond the Veil" represents an opportunity to showcase a different version of the Northern Nigerian woman—one that is bold, empowered, and unapologetically authentic. We bring new visuals that mirror rich Northern Nigerian culture, fashion, relationships, and lifestyles. It's a reflection on our modern-day society and the complex day-to-day realities we deal with - polygamy, drug abuse, cultural restraints, family ties, forbidden relationships, gender-based violence, and much more.
As a director, this project marks a significant milestone in my creative journey. It has allowed me to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and evolve artistically and personally. Exploring the dynamics of representation on screen is key for an audience we believe is thirsty to see a reflection of themselves, whether to feel a sense of pride and relate to the characters or seek justification from scenarios we explore.
Through the lens of "Beyond the Veil," I've discovered the power of storytelling as a tool for representation and empowerment. Beyond the Veil offers a window into an exciting and fresh narrative that fills a massive gap in our rich fabric of storytelling in Nigeria.
I am immensely proud of our work on this series, and I hope that it resonates with audiences worldwide.

NAILA MEDIA BOILERPLATE
Naila Media is a multi-media company founded by award-winning Filmmaker Nadine Ibrahim. Specialising in film, television production, documentaries, advertising, and corporate videos, Naila Media is committed to producing high-quality content that resonates with audiences locally and globally.
Led by a team of experienced professionals, Naila Media leverages cutting-edge technology and innovative storytelling techniques to create compelling narratives that captivate and inspire. Our productions have been featured nationally and internationally, breaking boundaries and gaining traction in the ever-evolving media and entertainment landscape.
With a strong focus on authenticity, diversity, and creativity, Naila Media strives to push the boundaries of storytelling while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and beyond. From thought-provoking documentaries to visually stunning advertising campaigns, Naila Media is dedicated to delivering content that leaves a lasting impact.
For more information and inquiries, please visit www.nailamedia.com.