The directorial debut of late Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola, Kilanko: The Invincible Child, has been nominated in the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker category at a film festival in Toronto, Canada, following its successful cinema run.
The development was announced by the film’s co-producer, Rotimi Salami, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, as he congratulated the late actress on the achievement.
Rotimi, a close associate of the late actress, disclosed that he would represent her at the event while expressing his emotions over the recognition.
“Shuga boo, see o. Congratulations. Kilanko got a nomination in Toronto, Canada, for the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker. So I will go and represent you alone, abi? All is well,” he wrote.
Kilanko: The Invincible Child was Ademola’s final project before her death. The film tells the story of a mother who sacrifices everything to ensure the survival of her child living with sickle cell disease, with the child’s destiny intertwined with traditional beliefs surrounding the Abiku (spirit child).
It blends traditional beliefs with the modern medical realities of managing sickle cell disease while paying tribute to mothers’ sacrifices around the world.
The movie premiered in Nigerian cinemas on March 16, 2026, and grossed about ₦36.9 million at the Nigerian box office. Despite initial concerns over low cinema attendance, it gradually built a steady audience and later expanded to international screenings, including its London premiere on April 17, 2026.
The film features Ibrahim Chatta, Yinka Quadri, Tina Mba, Rotimi Salami, Afeez Owo, Madam Saje, Saheed Balogun, Biola Bayo and the late Allwell Ademola, among others. According to Rotimi Salami, the movie remains Ademola’s legacy project.
