Okereke, who served as the lead costume designer on the production, was celebrated for her ability to merge cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Through her firm, The Rani Company, she has become one of Nollywood’s most respected voices in costume design and styling, known for transforming scripts into visually compelling narratives that define characters and heighten storytelling.
Her latest achievement joins a string of notable career highlights, including nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), alongside a Best Fashion Collaboration Film award at FAME Week Africa.
Speaking after the TINFF recognition, Okereke described the honor as both personal and symbolic.
“It’s a huge honor and a significant milestone. Every creator dreams of seeing their work on a global stage, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to have my contribution recognized in this way. The positive reception truly puts a spotlight on the art of costume design,” she said.
Okereke’s creative imprint can be found across some of the most acclaimed titles in Nigerian cinema and streaming. Her credits include Netflix’s Blood Sisters and Òlòtūré, as well as hit productions such as The Wedding Party, King of Boys 1, La Femme Anjola, House of Gaa, Seven Doors, and Far From Home. Beyond her artistry, she is lauded for her ability to lead large costume teams and seamlessly manage wardrobe demands across diverse genres.
Reflecting on her work, Okereke underlined the importance of her craft to filmmaking:
“As a costume designer, you are a vital part of the film’s storytelling engine. It requires a deep understanding of the narrative and the characters. When you grasp who a character is, you can use costume to mould their identity and visually express their journey to the audience.”
With her TINFF recognition, Okereke hopes to inspire emerging talents to pursue costume design as a viable and rewarding career.
“I hope this reminds aspiring costume designers that their dreams are valid. This is not just a side gig—it is a dedicated craft and a true profession. To see our work celebrated on a world stage is amazing. If you have a flair for this, you can absolutely get here. Your contribution is essential, and it can take you to incredible places,” she added.
Her latest accolade not only celebrates her individual artistry but also reinforces Nollywood’s rising profile in global cinema, where creatives like Okereke are helping define its cultural and aesthetic identity.