‘The Hospital Chronicles: I.C.U. ’ makes AFRIFF debut, sparks conversation on medical negligence

Nollywood psychological medical thriller, ‘The Hospital Chronicles: the I.C.U’, directed by Segilola Ogidan, debuts at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) as one of its official selections.

Produced by Chiamaka Ezenwa and Big Brother Africa alumnus Boma Akpore, the film confronts the troubling realities of institutional medical negligence, high-risk pregnancy experiences, and the underground practice of illegal organ harvesting. Through its gripping narrative, the production examines patient rights, public trust and the vulnerabilities within healthcare systems.

The film features an ensemble cast comprising Abimbola Akintola, Bucci Franklin, Demola Adedoyin, Etta JoMaria, Kadaria Ahmed, Kamo, Michelle Dede, Oyemen Ehikhamhen, Ozzy Agu, Temiloluwa Ami and veteran actress Tina Mba.

Screnning

The screening, held on Wednesday at Filmhouse Landmark, Lagos State, was followed by a red-carpet showcase and an interactive question-and-answer session.

Speaking during the post-screening engagement, director Segilola Ogidan described the filmmaking process as challenging, cathartic, and ultimately restorative. She revealed that the story was partly shaped by a personal experience involving medical negligence that nearly cost her life.

“This is something that should have been relatively straightforward, but it ended up almost killing me. It was horrible, and it could have been avoided because of negligence. So I put it all into the film,” she said.

Mrs Ogidan also explained that the decision to include illegal organ harvesting in the storyline emerged during the writing process, after her co-writer suggested adding a thriller element to complement the drama. Subsequent research, she said, revealed that the practice, although largely underground, was a prevalent concern.

One of the cast, Bucci Franklin, who plays the hospital’s Managing Director at the centre of the story, said the sensitive subject matter initially made him wonder how the production would be executed, particularly because of the need for an appropriate medical setting.

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He expressed appreciation to a Lagos hospital that provided its facility for the production, making it possible for the filmmakers to bring the story to life.

Mr Franklin also urged Nigerians to exercise caution when choosing healthcare facilities for themselves and their loved ones, stressing that people should look beyond a hospital’s appearance or location and carry out proper verification. He acknowledged, however, the contributions of healthcare professionals who continue to do commendable work across the country.

‘The Hospital Chronicles: The I.C.U’

‘The Hospital Chronicles: The I.C.U’ is the first instalment in a planned film series that uses storytelling to spotlight issues affecting patients and healthcare delivery.

The production team is continuing its promotional activities and stakeholder engagements following the AFRIFF screening, ahead of the film’s anticipated commercial cinema release in 2027.