The Wildflower earned the coveted win based on audience voting.
By Helena Olori
The Wildflower, directed by Biodun Stephen, won the “Best Film” award at the just-concluded 10th Edition of the Nollywoodweek Film Festival held in Paris from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th, May 2023.
The four-day event celebrates the newest voices in African and Diaspora cinema, and features world premieres, feature and short film screenings with Q&As, monologue and pitching sessions, workshops, panel discussions, Afrobeats parties, and networking events.
(Read also: The Wildflower Review: Biodun Stephen’s Winning Streak Continues in New Film About Gender-Based Violence)
The Wildflower, which earned the coveted title of Best Film based on audience voting, is a dark, emotional drama written by Niyi Akinmolayan. The film follows the stories of two women and a teenage girl living in the same compound, navigating different forms of abuse and assault by men around them. One of them, 24-year-old Rolake Dabiri, decides enough is enough as she speaks up and revolts against these men.
The film features stellar performances from Damilare Kuku, Deyemi Okanlawon, Toyin Abraham, Sandra Okunzuwa, Zubby Michael, Etinosa Idemudia, Nosa Rex, Imoh Eboh, Kiki Omeili, Eso Dike, Angel Unigwe, and Rachel Isaac.
The Wildflower screened at the Nollywoodweek Film Festival alongside the recently released title, Honey Money. Both films are produced by Vincent Okonkwo under his production company, VSLmedia.
(Read also: Mo Abudu’s Directorial Debut Films Selected For Two Films Festivals)
The Wildflower, released in May 2022, had a four-week theatrical run across cinemas nationwide, amassing an impressive box office revenue of over N40 million naira. According to Okonkwo, the film is one of the most successful rape-themed stories.
The film recently debuted on the global streaming platform, Netflix, granting it access to a wider audience despite the mixed reviews that trailed its theatrical release.