Support an authentic British-Nigerian short film from Liverpool on its journey to BIFA, BAFTA-qualifying and Oscar-qualifying festivals.

We are Old Swan Films, an award-winning independent film company based in Liverpool. Over the past few years we have built a reputation for telling honest, human stories rooted in real communities. You can learn more about our work at www.oldswanfilms.com.

Our previous projects include the critically acclaimed documentary The Little Things, which achieved global distribution on Amazon Prime and received national media coverage, and Time to Go in partnership with RASA Merseyside. These films reflect our commitment to meaningful storytelling and real social impact.

Now we are proud to present our latest short film, MR A: Genesis, currently in post-production and aiming high for the biggest and best festivals, including BIFA, BAFTA-selected and Oscar-qualifying festivals.

MR A: Genesis is a unique British-Nigerian story set in Liverpool. Created, written and produced by, and starring Noah Olaoye, it follows Ayotunde “Mr A” Akinlade, a 27-year-old English teacher and teens pastor. When he is unexpectedly asked to lead his church’s 30th anniversary service, he must confront self-doubt and discover what it means to grow into purpose. The film moves between the lively chaos of a secondary-school classroom and the complex, loving world of a Black-majority church, exploring friendship, family, faith and the quiet courage required to step forward when you still feel unfinished.

What makes this film distinctive is its commitment to authentic representation. It centres a Nigerian story firmly rooted in Liverpool, celebrates Black Scouse life, and features strong Black creative leadership both in front of and behind the camera, a combination still far too uncommon.

Noah Olaoye says: “Growing up as a British-Nigerian son of a pastor in Liverpool, I spent my weekdays in schools and my evenings and weekends in church. These worlds have profoundly shaped who I am, yet I rarely saw any portrayed on screen with authenticity, humour or nuance. Mr. A: Genesis is my attempt to change that. But above all, Mr. A: Genesis is a story about hope. It’s about discovering who you are, learning to embrace the responsibilities placed before you, and realising that purpose isn’t something you’re born fully understanding, it’s something you grow into.”

The project is produced by Old Swan Films in partnership with BLCK Productions, led by Brianna Douglas. Brianna explains:

“The Mr A team came to me very openly and honestly about collaborating and the need for the film to have Black representation in front of and behind the camera, to reflect the story they wanted to create. Because they came to BLCK, we were able to connect talented black community members to opportunities suited to them and help continue the growth of working black creatives in the north.”

Director Richard Ampeh, a former teacher often called “Mr A” himself, adds: “What I particularly loved about Mr. A Genesis is that stories exploring two identities often position those identities against one another, forcing the audience to choose between them. This film doesn't do that. It doesn't place greater value on either community. Instead, it honestly portrays the challenges Mr. A experiences as he navigates both worlds while trying to understand where he belongs. That felt refreshing, truthful and deeply human. Representation behind the camera is just as important as representation on screen.”

Producer Paul Woodward of Old Swan Films says: “I have known Noah since Drama school and it has been a pleasure watching him grow into a star so when he approached me with Mr A, I knew I had to make it happen with all I had. Genuine Nigerian stories are few and far between, I am so very pleased that we have been able to put this one tougher in our beautiful city of Liverpool.”

Why we need your support now

The film is complete in principle and is now in post-production. The next crucial stage is getting it in front of the right audiences at the highest level. Festival submission fees, travel, accommodation and promotional costs for BIFA, BAFTA-qualifying and Oscar-qualifying festivals add up quickly for an independent production.

Your contribution will directly help us:

We believe local stories told with care and professionalism deserve to reach the biggest stages. With your help, MR A: Genesis can do exactly that.

Thank you for supporting independent film and for helping us take this story as far as it can go.

Old Swan Films and BLCK Productions