Milk and Mirrors wins Best Short Film award and brings attention to postpartum identity at London Indie Film Festival in the United Kingdom

A quietly powerful short film has captured hearts and accolades across the UK.

Milk and Mirrors, directed by Nigerian-born filmmaker Ekelemchukwu Nnaji, also known as Martinz Nnaji Jr., took home Best Short Film at the London Indie Film Festival, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about entries this year.

For Nnaji, the recognition is more than just an award.

“The film was created with a quiet intentionality, allowing performance, silence, and image to carry the story,” he explained.

“Seeing it resonate at LIFF reinforces my belief in short films as powerful, complete works, and in the universality of deeply human stories.”

A Story of Motherhood and Identity

At its heart, Milk and Mirrors tells the story of Maya, a young mother navigating the fragile months following childbirth.

Facing postpartum turbulence, a fractured sense of self, and an unexpected professional setback, Maya’s journey is about rediscovering her identity — both as a mother and as a woman.

Unlike more conventional narratives, the film avoids heavy exposition.

Instead, it leans on subtle gestures, restrained dialogue, and intimate performances.

Each frame is carefully composed, building a visual and emotional landscape that lingers long after the credits roll.

Crafting Emotion Through Silence

Written and produced by Kemi Kentebe, the film showcases a delicate balance of storytelling and cinematography.

Silence becomes a language of its own, allowing viewers to feel Maya’s struggles rather than simply observe them.

This disciplined approach has drawn praise from critics who note its careful attention to emotional nuance and visual rhythm.

A Growing Presence for African-Born Filmmakers

Nnaji’s work reflects a broader trend of African-born filmmakers making waves internationally.

Having worked in both Nigeria and the UK, he joins a cohort of directors whose films are earning recognition at prestigious festivals, challenging traditional cinematic norms and offering fresh perspectives.

Milk and Mirrors is the latest in Nnaji’s portfolio and demonstrates his ability to combine personal storytelling with a universal emotional appeal.

What’s Next?

Following its success at LIFF, Milk and Mirrors is poised for additional screenings at other independent and international festivals.

The buzz around the film may also open doors for longer-form projects from Nnaji, as audiences and producers take note of his precise visual style and emotionally resonant storytelling.

For aspiring filmmakers, this recognition underscores the power of subtlety, authenticity, and lived experience in crafting compelling cinema.

Summary

Milk and Mirrors, a short film by Nigerian-born UK filmmaker Ekelemchukwu Nnaji (Martinz Nnaji Jr.), won Best Short Film at the London Indie Film Festival, earning praise for its intimate exploration of postpartum identity and motherhood.

Written and produced by Kemi Kentebe, the film follows Maya, a young mother finding herself after childbirth, using silence and nuanced performances to convey deep emotional truths.

The win marks a milestone for Nnaji, joining a growing wave of African-born filmmakers gaining recognition on the international stage.