I Find The Defendant
Directed by
Micheal Ajayi
Submitted by
Denzel Oguguah
AdeJazz, Africa celebrated jazz artist, during an interview sessions learns of allegations strung
against him by his girlfriend accusing him of sexual assault.
The story unfolds inside a Lagos courtroom. The prosecution presents an audio recording of a
heated argument, medical reports detailing severe injuries, and testimony from Cynthia and her
best friend, all pointing toward abuse and sexual assault. The defense counters with claims of
manipulation, inconsistencies in Cynthia’s story, and questions about motive.
As AdeJazz takes the stand, he admits to a volatile argument but denies violence. He introduces a
new layer to the case: their relationship involved consensual BDSM practices. What Cynthia
calls assault, he describes as consensual intimacy that escalated after a fight.
The courtroom becomes a battleground for larger themes — celebrity power, consent, feminism,
male vulnerability, public perception, and the weaponization of social media. Careers collapse,
reputations fracture, and private details become public spectacle.
Monthly:
- August: Realism
- Best Afterlife or Rebirth Concept
- Best Character Study
- Best Cross-Cultural Narrative
- Best Cultural Documentary
- Best Depiction of Daily Life
- Best Environmental Story
- Best Existential Short
- Best Holiday-Themed Film
- Best Narrative Based on True Events
- Best Natural Performance
- Best Portrayal of Mental Health
- Best Realism Film
- Best Story of Healing
- Best Tribute to Classic Cinema
- Best Under-Represented Story
- Best Unreliable Narrator
- Best Use of Native Language
- Best Use of Tradition or Ritual
- Best Winter Cinematography
- December: Season of Shadows & Light
- March: Voices of the World
- Most Emotionally Raw Moment
- November: The Human Condition

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