Art is the quality or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful or of more than ordinary significance. To this point, art isn’t also restricted to a selected few but more to anyone who considers him or herself a gypsy. Emmanuel Ijeh embodies the idea of a nomadic artist or at best, a gypsy. Growing up partly in Nigeria, Emmanuel migrated to the United States at age seventeen. He completed his university education, acquiring both a bachelors and a masters degree respectively, in computer information systems.
Although he works as a professional software engineer, his artistic desire was always present. However, as an artist, he just wasn’t ready until 2009 when he made quiet a remarking debut with award winning film, TOBI.
TOBI explores the consequences of what happens when 21-year-old Tobi bows to the dark side of gang pressure. In a flash, a seemingly morally upright young man gets caught in a web of violence, guns, bloodshed, drugs, parental expectations and conflicting voices in his head. Interestingly, the bond of brotherhood also stretches the thematic window of choices and sacrifice.
TOBI is the first film from this promising producer.