KELECHI OKAFOR DIRECTS AND STARS IN THE VOICENOTE

KELECHI OKAFOR DIRECTS AND STARS IN THE VOICENOTE

Kandy Rohmann through her EYE-RUH-NEE Productions banner presents THE
VOICENOTE, a new short film directed by Kelechi Okafor, seeking to highlight the
impacts of this world on the mental health of Black women, who too often fall between
the cracks of an inherently flawed social framework.
The Voicenote has already been officially selected by the BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica
Short Film Festival, and will have its first public UK screening at the Genesis Cinema
on the 12th October at 4pm as part of the London Independent Film Festival. It has
also been officially selected at The North Film Festival taking place in Barcelona in
2026.
Check out the official trailer and images here.
EYE-RUH-NEE Productions
THE VOICENOTE
Directed by and starring Kelechi Okafor (Why A Black Woman Will Never Be Prime Minister)
Written, produced by and starring Kandy Rohmann (The Last Rifleman, Argylle, Tinseltown)
The full cast stars Kemi Adekoya (Dreaming Whilst Black), Hodan Yusuf (Castle Rock) and
Ayanna Witter-Johnson
Director of Photography - Laura Van De Hel
Composer - Ayanna Witter-Johnson
Editor - Chloe Hardwick
Makeup Artist - Blessing Kambanga
Hairstylist - Tara-Michelle Wilson
EYE-RUH-NEE Productions presents a new, powerful and deeply moving short film, THE
VOICENOTE. The film is an examination of grief, tradition and the impact of technology on our
interpersonal relationships.
“Time. That just keeps ticking and going by, doesn’t it…
”
When Kali is out for a run in her local park one morning, she is reminded of an important
message she has not yet sent to a dear friend. She decides to take a pause and sends a
long, overdue voicenote.
As it’s recorded, a picture is painted of her friend, Mikaela. Known for her vibrance, energy
and heart - she’s the friend with the bright smile that seems to be doing it all. But as Kali
proceeds to send “the longest message ever”
, it becomes clear that everything is not what it
seems.
A picture emerges of a woman in crisis, one who never asked for anything, let alone help. In
sending her voicenote, Kali must confront her feelings of failure as a friend and the painful
reality of ‘too little too late’
.
Directed by and starring Kelechi Okafor (Why A Black Woman Will Never Be Prime
Minister), written, produced by and starring Kandy Rohmann (The Last Rifleman, Argylle,
Tinseltown), the full cast stars Kemi Adekoya (Dreaming Whilst Black), Hodan Yusuf
(Castle Rock) and Ayanna Witter-Johnson.
An EYE-RUH-NEE Production.
Director, Kelechi Okafor said,
‘My interest in working on The Voicenote came about once I
had the pleasure of performing the monologue a few years ago. Kandy’s words about
something so tragic and delicate spoke to me deeply. Black women deserve to be seen
beyond their ‘strength’ and Kandy’s writing brings this need to the fore. I am honoured to get
to honour the life of a woman who gave so much of herself to her community whilst
navigating her own mental health. Hopefully this short film encourages many conversations
when someone says “how are you, really?”’
Kandy Rohmann of EYE-RUH-NEE Productions said,
‘The Voicenote started life as quite a
personal piece around bereavement and the loss of a friend. As art often does, it has taken
on a life of its own and has become something bigger and universal. Modern city life is hectic
and technologically fueled, as a creative I had to ask myself if, amidst all of this, can we still
find moments of human connection and ways to honour our traditions.
The Universe saw fit to bring Kelechi to the piece, first as an actress when it was a
monologue for stage, then as an actor and director for the short film version which was born
through another serendipitous instance. The Voicenote short film could not exist in its current
form without Kelechi’s vision, talent, understanding and respect for the writing and overall
intention of the piece.
As art so often imitates life, I am extremely proud to present The Voicenote, a piece that
examines modern life through the lens of a middle aged black woman in crisis. A story that
aligns with EYE-RUH-NEE Productions’ mission statement of telling the stories of the
unseen and unsung.
’
Kelechi Okafor is a British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist, writer, presenter, actor, and
political commentator. She is the creator of the podcast Say Your Mind, counting more than
280 episodes, which explores self-reclamation through an unflinching critique of society. She
has written books for children, young adults, and adults, often addressing Black identity and
systemic injustice. Kelechi’s work extends beyond literature and media—she actively
engages in political commentary and social advocacy, particularly on issues affecting Black
women. She frequently critiques institutional racism and performative activism, calling for
concrete action in support of Black communities. Through her artistic and social endeavours,
she continues to push boundaries, create transformative spaces, and amplify marginalised
voices. Her latest novel AWAKENED was released in June 2025.
You can keep up with Kelechi on her website or through Instagram: @kelechnekoff