Reaktor Energy Drink has unveiled a short film and documentary titled ‘Push & Start,’ paying tribute to the resilience, grit, and determination that define the Nigerian spirit.
The beverage brand, produced by Planet Bottling Company, presented “Push & Start: The Real Hustle” and its accompanying fictional short film, both of which spotlight everyday Nigerians who strive to rewrite their stories, on Monday at an exclusive press screening in Lagos.
Franklyn Eluagu, Marketing Communications Manager, Planet Bottling Company, said the productions reflect the brand’s mission to honour the nation’s ceaseless drive. He said, “For us, it was a way to show the hustling spirit of Nigerians. The spirit that Nigerians do not give up.”
Eluagu stressed that Reaktor aimed to serve as “a partner in that hustling spirit,” noting that the films embody the brand’s slogan, “push your limits.” The short film and documentary highlighted women tricycle drivers.
PBC’s marketing communication manager explained that the documentary chose to focus on women who navigate the demanding roads of Lagos as tricycle drivers, to highlight that “no matter what stage, level, age, or gender, you can step out every day and make the most of the day.” He stressed that the project would not be a one-off, adding, “We intend to create more like this, detailing other lives in other stages.”
Naji Awada, Marketing Director of Planet Bottling Company, said the films aim to motivate Nigerians who are enduring economic hardship. He said, “We all need that motivation. We all need proper examples to see that, ‘OK, I can do it. I can push myself.”
The short film, Push & Start, follows 25-year-old tricycle driver Folake, who dreams of studying Mechanical Engineering abroad. When a street race in her park offers a life-changing opportunity, she takes a chance to “rewrite her story.”
Ashimedua Odiachi, the short film’s director, explained that the story emerged from an effort to centre hardworking young Nigerians who embody the brand’s values, stating, “Why not someone doing something in a space we’ve never seen before?” She disclosed that the production challenged the crew to create a race film with little precedent in Nollywood, adding, “Shooting outside was the most challenging part.”
Lead actor Ebunoluwa Oluwarinu, who plays Folake, described the character as a reflection of ordinary Nigerians. “Folake is a representation of every Nigerian who’s determined and willing to go the extra mile,” Oluwarin said, adding that preparing for the role required learning to drive and fix a tricycle.
Meanwhile, the documentary ‘Push & Start: The Real Hustle’ follows three women from Lagos, Jecinta Ohizu, Beatrice Odene, and Shade Erujeje, who work as tricycle drivers while caring for their families.
Zorah Callistus, the documentary director, stated that finding authentic characters was the toughest task. “I didn’t want people coming to act for the cameras. I wanted specific types of people,” she said, adding that shooting in crowded Ikotun required careful crowd management to keep the documentary organic and true to the women’s daily routines.
Producer Bemigho Nadia said the brand’s tagline inspired the documentary, stating, “We wanted to create a story that showed the Nigerian resilient spirit.” Nadia stressed that many Lagos creatives juggle multiple jobs to stay afloat, mirroring the experiences of the featured.
Reaktor said the project underscores its commitment to everyday Nigerians, students, traders, workers, and hustlers, who aspire to a better life. The company described Push & Start as a platform to celebrate those who “start their engines toward a brighter future.”
