Twelve-year-old Nigerian actor, author, and filmmaker Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga is set to release TRASH, a short drama exploring the dangers of judging children solely by their academic performance and overlooking their individual talents.
The film follows Treasure, a gifted child whose creativity is dismissed by adults because he struggles academically, and how he navigates rejection, misunderstanding, and the pressures to fit into other people’s definition of success and intelligence.
“What looks like waste may be treasure in disguise,” Asenuga said.
Directed by John Njamah, Trash was written by Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga, and produced by Asenuga alongside Bisola Asenuga, through Talent and Purpose Studios.
The film encourages parents, teachers and the wider society to look beyond academic results and recognise children’s different abilities. Asenuga said its message does not dismiss the importance of academic excellence, but challenges the idea that academic struggles should define a child’s worth.
For Asenuga, TRASH is an opportunity to address an issue that affects children both in classrooms and at home.
Primarily aimed at audiences aged 8-18, the film is scheduled for release on October 24, 2026, with screenings planned for cinemas, schools and youth programmes. The school screening programme aims to involve parents and teachers in conversations about how children are assessed, supported and encouraged to pursue their interests.
For more information and screening enquiries, visit fiyinfoluwaasenuga.com.
