…spotlighting youth, trauma and friendship

Fast rising filmmaker Monsurah Alli-Oluwafuyi (The Mansu) has officially premiered her latest short film, Behind The Glass, at a private screening hosted at VOMNETWORK, Abuja, on September 25, 2025. The event gathered film enthusiasts, creatives, and advocates who witnessed the unveiling of a story that delves deep into friendship, vulnerability, and the scars of unresolved trauma.

Written and directed by The Mansu, with Alli-Oluwafuyi Monsurah as Executive Producer, Behind The Glass is inspired by the book Dreams from Yesterday by Akin Akingbogun, specifically Chapter 10, “Too Impaired to Deal.” The film follows the journey of Tokunbo, a 22-year-old scarred by childhood trauma, who has avoided alcohol his entire life. 

On the last day of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, Tokunbo’s friends persuade him to join them for a celebratory night out. What begins as a harmless outing quickly unravels into a series of reckless choices, forcing Tokunbo to confront his past and testing the strength of his relationships.

The production, brought to life by Jerry Ogbe (Director of Photography), Adejumo Oluwatimilehin (Editor/Colorist), and Blessing Timothy (Assistant Director), showcases strong performances from its cast: Mallum Arik, Ogwuche Jerome, Amale Yakong Sodor, and Nankam Jemimah Abu. Guests at the Abuja premiere praised the film’s ability to address sensitive social issues through relatable storytelling and compelling visuals.

Speaking after the screening, The Mansu described the film as a reflection of real struggles facing many Nigerian youths.

“Behind The Glass is a story about choices and consequences, but also about the weight of unspoken battles. I wanted to create something that speaks directly to young people in Nigeria, showing that one decision can change everything,” she said.

While the spotlight was firmly on the film’s premiere, The Mansu also revealed that the project will extend beyond the screen. A Behind The Glass Toolkit, developed with mental health and education experts, will soon be rolled out as a guide to help young people navigate issues such as trauma, empathy, and personal boundaries. Plans are underway to partner with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to make the toolkit accessible to Corps members nationwide, ensuring the film’s message resonates not just in theatres, but in everyday life.