“HOPE” REVIEW

“Hope” is another compelling short film from the joint efforts of Mount Zion Film Productions and True Talk with TED. This new collaboration feels like a vision from the Lord, particularly targeted at youths, singles and young adults navigating the tricky terrain of emotions, courtship, faith and marriage. I’m genuinely grateful for the consistent release of these thoughtful shorts which are spiritually enriching.

This particular short centres on Bola, well played once again by Peculiar Ani. After facing heartbreak in what appears to have been a God-ordained relationship, Bola is left devastated. It’s a scenario many can relate to – where the person you’ve envisioned forever with suddenly changes the course. As someone who once came close to making the same mistake in my own courtship (thank God for divine intervention 🙌🏿), I understand how crushing that moment can be.

Technically, the film is creatively executed. The sound design is immersive, and the cinematography, especially the moving and overhead shots, is expressive and deliberate, making the visual and technical effort here commendable. The title “Hope” is suggestive of the theme, but the specifics only become clearer as the short progresses. A visual analogy, shared through Bola’s friend (Rose), drives home the theme: sometimes, the reason we cannot embrace the new is that we’re still holding on to the old. And in that, the film lands its message with grace.

That said, allow me to stir the waters slightly. While the film encourages healing and moving on – which is absolutely necessary – there’s also value in pausing to hear what God is saying, especially if a courtship began with His direction. The swiftness with which the individuals in  broken Christian courtships are sometimes expected to “move on” can feel dismissive of God’s potential leading. In Bola’s case, Folusho does not even give any clear explanation for his withdrawal. So, I feel some details still need to be set straight before moving forward, especially if spiritual authority was involved from the start.

In all, “Hope” is an encouraging piece, with a core message that’s worth holding on to.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/3QbclI52Qkc?si=Gvz7_ITczyHtGRhD

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
HOPE (June 1, 2025)
10 minutes
Mount Zion Film Productions and True Talk with TED

Cast
Peculiar Ani as Bola
Victor Otegbade as Folusho
Tobi Adepoju as Rose

Crew
Screenplay
Emmanuela Mike-Bamiloye
Director of Photography
Tobi Olumuyiwa
Editor
Esli Fiberesima
Director
Victor Otegbade