September 13, 2025, is a day I will always remember. My film, Battle of Blood: The Legend of Arhuanran, produced under Teo-Inspiro International, won the award for Best Music Score (International) at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2025 – just days after its world premiere at the festival.
Bringing History to the Big Screen Through Battle of Blood
Battle of Blood tells the story of the Giant Duke of Udo, a 16th-century prince of the Benin Kingdom, and the intense rivalry for the throne after the passing of Oba Ozolua. At Teo-Inspiro International, we are passionate about African storytelling, and I personally have always been drawn to documenting historical events and cultural legacies. When I encountered the legend of Arhuanran, I knew this was a story that deserved to be told on the big screen.
This feature-length docudrama film combines expert interviews with historians, dramatic reenactments, and rare access to historical locations. The goal is simple: to tell an authentic and compelling story that preserves African history while inspiring audiences worldwide.
The Creative Team Behind Battle of Blood
The narration was delivered by Bimbo Oloyede, a multi-award-winning broadcast journalist with over 50 years of experience. The cast featured veteran thespians such as Professor Vincent Diakpomrere, Andrew Osawaru, and Igbinosa (Baba-Cliff). The music and sound design – now award-winning – were crafted by Anwuli Roseline, while the Benin Chorale Society provided the traditional songs that anchored the film’s authenticity.
Recognition Across International Film Festivals
To date, Battle of Blood has received four film award nominations. At TINFF, it was nominated for both Best Documentary (International) and Best Music Score (International). It also received nominations for Best Documentary Film and Best Director (Documentary) at the African International Film Festival Saskatchewan.
These recognitions highlight Teo-Inspiro International’s commitment to producing world-class African documentaries that showcase our continent’s heritage with excellence and creativity.
Looking Ahead; Beyond Battle of Blood
My vision for Battle of Blood goes beyond film festivals. I want to secure a global distribution deal so audiences everywhere can experience this powerful story from Nigeria’s history. At Teo-Inspiro International, we will continue to create films and documentaries that preserve Africa’s cultural heritage while shaping the future of African storytelling.
Congratulations once again to the cast, crew, and everyone who made this project possible. Battle of Blood is proof of what happens when passion, history, and creativity come together.
