Filmmaker James Abinibi has shared how actor Gabriel Afolayan influenced the creation of a key role in his upcoming film One Gidi Night.
James made the revelation on Instagram on Saturday, posting a photo of Gabriel from a scene in the film.
He wrote, “When I was writing the character Ejiro, @gabbylucciii ’s face was the only one I could see. To be honest, I wrote the film because of him. I knew this film would be a grueling, physical, and emotional marathon and I handed it to him because I trusted his depth implicitly. I didn’t want a performance that just showed desperation; I wanted a performance that would make us bleed for him.
“While filming #OneGidiNight, Gabriel didn’t just act; he endured. He took every emotional beat and made it visceral. In a film filled with intensity, Gabriel provides the heartbeat that will keep the audience anchored. He led the charge exactly as I hoped he would, turning the script into a living, breathing, and deeply intense reality.
“That is the magic of a leading man who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable in front of the camera. ONE GIDI NIGHT is coming soon and you will all confirm Gabriel is a god of acting.”
One Gidi Night is a Lagos set thriller that follows a man caught in a chain of events over the course of a single night, exploring desperation and survival.
The film also stars Uzor Arukwe, Idia Aisien, Wunmi Toriola, Kelvin Ikeduba and Ibrahim Yekini.
Directed and written by James, the film is scheduled for release in cinemas on August 7, 2026.
