We Navigate, follows the modern lives of five resilient Northern Nigerian Women, their ups & downs – Beyond The Veil

Logline:

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.

BEYOND THE VEIL SEASON 2

CAST

Na’ima

Jemima Osunde

Badriya (Baddie)

Norah Ego

Zainab (Zizi)

Ame Aiyejina

Hanifa

Maryam Booth

Surrayah

Habiba Tanko Zock-Sock

Sadiq

Yakubu Mohammed

Minister

Ummi Baba Ahmed

Mathew

Vine Olugu

Sarah

Blessing Uzoro

Bilquis

Temitope Olowoniyan

Kassim

Caleb Richards

Badriya’s Mother

Patricia Egbon

Ahmadu

Rikadawa Rabiu Mohammed

Tariq

Andrew Bunting

Maryam

Ijapari Ben-Hirki

Baba Maryam

Sani Muazu

Fatima

Nadia Dutch

Binta

Amatur-Rahman Yunusa

Khadija

Jahdiel Fred-Adetiba

Rakiya

Asmau Abdulrahman Ibrahim

Afrah

Aisha Anisah Ayagi

Dr Ajifa

Folawewo Aiyegbusi

Vera

Oma Ohakim

CREW

Story Created by

Nadine Ibrahim & Sifa Asani Gowon

Director

Nadine Ibrahim

Writers

Sifa Asani Gowon, Brenda Garuba Ogbuka

story development

Sifa Asani Gowon, Brenda Garuba Ogbuka, aisha tahir, Priye diri, ishaya bako, Amaall Hermida, Maggie Okpede

Executive Producer

Nadine Ibrahim

Executive Producer

Bilal Ibrahim

Executive Producer

Nabil Zeitoun

Executive Producer

Fareed Zeitoun

Executive Producer

Ishaya Bako

Producer

Folawewo Aiyegbusi

Line Producer

Nenrot Goyol Akinrowo

Associate Producer

Ogyela Maggie Okpede

Script supervisor/ Continuity

Nancy Ozoemena

First AD

Amaka Chidioka

2nd AD

Michael Adeniyi Bakare

Production Manager

Rahila Manga

Production Coordinator

Ibrahim Daddy

Cinematographer

Femi Sparklite Bamigbola

Cinematographer 2/Editor

Luke Oyovbaire

1st Camera Assist/Focus puller

Temitayo Abdul

Gaffer

Emma Ogaduce Peter

Gaffer Assistant

Segun Toheeb Adigun

Best boy

Oluwatosin Aderinto

Spark/Electric

Adewale Ridwon Ayinde

Key Grip

Sani H Dan Baba-Dan Bee

DIT/2nd Camera Assist

Ope Adepoju-Macplenty

Best Boy Grips

John Ogwuche

Sound

Kafari Kadzai

Sound Assistant

Ahmed Ismail

Boom Swinger

Innocent Kwache

Boom Swinger 2

Zira Vandi

BTS

Solomon Ojochegbe Shaibu

BTS Assistant

Victor Eje Peter

BTS Assistant

Joshua Jonah

Production Designer

Jeremy Mbu

Art Director

Amaal Flavia Hermida

Set Construction

Joshua Ikyanger

Props Master

Chris Eneh

Set Dresser

Ibukun Ajidahun

Set design consultant

Ghaith Asmar

Costume Manager

Rose Abiodun

Costume Designer

Oma Ohakim

Costume Designer

Hauwa Shakir

Costume Assistant 1

John Olujimi

Costume Assistant 2

Blessing Samuel

Costume Assisant 3

Sa’a Maccido

Make Up/ Special FX

Juliet Wyom

Make Up Assistant 1

Shamza Peter

Make Up Assistant 2

Cynthia Mathew

Special FX

Norah Ego

Special FX

Tobi Adetimehin

Hair

Desmond Nor

Hair Assistant

Rosemary Sunday

Production Assistant

Praise S. John

Production Assistant

Emmanuel Onogu

Production Assistant / Welfare

Careen Obadan

Driver 1

Kefas Shaibu

Driver 2

Ezekiel Naanpen

Driver 3

Hassan Yakubu

Caterer 1

Lahee’s Bites

Caterer 2

Chukwu Faith Chinyere

Sound Design

Rex Ricketts

Musician/ Vocals

Shime Ahua

Drone Pilot

Luke Oyovbaire

Casting directors

Nadine Ibrahim , Folawewo Aiyegbusi

Extras

Marraccuzza Studios

Production Accountant

Mercy Fidelis

Poster Photographer

GinaRex Photography

Lawyer

Awwal Salisu

Subtitles

Amaka Chidioka

Poster Graphic Designer

Rex posters

Special FX

Sogie

Best Boy Electric

Adewale Ridwon