Lonzo Nzekwe is a Nigerian-Canadian filmmaker and CEO of IronFlix Inc., known for creating transnational Nigerian films. His debut feature Anchor Baby won Best Film at the 2010 Harlem International Film Festival and is available on Netflix. His short film Meet The Parents won Best Short Film at the 2016 Africa Movie Academy Awards. His latest film Orah was selected for the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and has earned critical acclaim.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Lonzo Nzekwe |
| Date of Birth | N/A |
| Place of Birth | Enugu State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian, Canadian |
| Partner | Married |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Film director, producer, screenwriter, CEO of IronFlix Inc. |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Enugu State, Nigeria, Lonzo Nzekwe spent his early years in his home country before relocating to Ontario, Canada, in 1997.
This move deeply influenced his perspective and later became a recurring theme in his films, reflecting the immigrant experience.
Unlike many filmmakers who attend formal film schools, Nzekwe is entirely self-taught. He honed his craft by studying behind-the-scenes footage of Hollywood productions and analyzing films by renowned directors, developing his filmmaking skills through observation and hands-on practice.
To further enhance his expertise, he completed the “2 Day Film School” by DOV Simmens and attended the Witz Training Institute in Toronto to improve his editing skills.
This blend of self-directed learning and targeted training laid a solid foundation for his career in film.
Career
Before fully committing to filmmaking, Nzekwe explored other creative fields, including basketball and music production, which enriched his storytelling approach.
His debut feature film, Anchor Baby (2010), marked a turning point in his career. The film premiered at the Harlem International Film Festival, where it won Best Film, earning him early international recognition.
Later, Netflix acquired Anchor Baby, making it available to a global audience and further establishing Nzekwe’s reputation.
In 2016, his short film Meet The Parents won Best Short Film at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), underscoring his versatility and appeal within African cinema.
In 2013, Nzekwe co-founded FEVA TV, Canada’s first black-owned 24-hour television network, where he served as CEO until 2015. This venture was a milestone in Canadian media, providing a platform for Black Canadian stories.
After stepping down, he focused on film production, founding IronFlix Inc. in 2015. Based in Ajax, Ontario, IronFlix is both a production company and streaming platform dedicated to African and diaspora films, allowing Nzekwe to maintain creative control and foster African storytelling.
Nzekwe’s latest feature, Orah, began production in 2022 and was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival’s Industry Selects in 2023.
The film, inspired by the tragic loss of his younger brother, explores themes of family, justice, and revenge.
It features a talented cast including Oyin Oladejo and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, and has garnered critical acclaim, winning awards at the Reelworld Film Festival and earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination in 2024.
Personal Life
Nzekwe is married and resides in Canada with his family. His personal experiences as an immigrant and family man deeply influence his storytelling.
He draws inspiration from real-life experiences—both his own and those of others—believing that authentic stories resonate most powerfully.
Rather than following trends, he trusts his instincts when choosing subjects, aiming to tell stories that matter to him and hoping they connect with audiences.
Net Worth
Lonzo Nzekwe’s net worth is estimated between the range of $1 million to $5 million, reflecting multifaceted career as a filmmaker, CEO of IronFlix, and content distributor.
Filmography
- Anchor Baby (2010): A thriller drama about immigration and trust, starring Omoni Oboli and Sam Sarpong.
- Orah (2022/2023): A revenge thriller set between Ontario and Lagos, exploring themes of justice and family, featuring an ensemble cast.
Short Films
- Meet The Parents (2016): A compelling short film that won Best Short Film at AMAA and is available on IronFlix.
Awards and Recognitions
- Best Film and Best Actress at the 2010 Harlem International Film Festival for Anchor Baby
- 13 international awards in total for Anchor Baby
- Two nominations at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for Anchor Baby
- Best Short Film at the 2016 Africa Movie Academy Awards for Meet The Parents
- Orah selected for the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival Industry Selects program
- Awards for Outstanding Feature Writer and Outstanding Feature Actress at the 2023 Reelworld Film Festival for Orah
- Nomination for Performance in a Leading Role, Drama at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards for Orah
Beyond his films, Nzekwe’s contribution to media representation through FEVA TV stands as a landmark achievement in Canadian broadcasting.
