Lagos, Nigeria – Award-winning Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and producer Rotimi Salami has another reason to celebrate as Kilanko, a film he produced and directed by the late actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola, has received an international nomination at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Canada.
The movie has been nominated in the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker (Nollywood) category, further highlighting the impact of female filmmakers in the Nigerian film industry and showcasing the growing global recognition of Nollywood productions.
Sharing the exciting news with fans, Rotimi Salami expressed both gratitude and emotion, acknowledging that he would be representing the project alone following the passing of the film’s director, Allwell Ademola.
“KILANKO got us a nomination in Toronto, Canada (referring to Allwell that died). Best Film by a Female Filmmaker (Nollywood). So I will go represent us alone abi. All is well sha. 🥲 Thanks for the recognition @tinffestival.”
The nomination is especially meaningful as it comes after the passing of Allwell Ademola, whose dedication to storytelling and commitment to quality filmmaking left a lasting mark on Nollywood. Her passion for creating impactful stories continues to live on through Kilanko, making this recognition both a celebration of the film and a tribute to her remarkable legacy.
For Rotimi Salami, the nomination is a bittersweet milestone. While he celebrates the international recognition, he also reflects on the absence of a colleague and creative partner who played a significant role in bringing the project to life. Representing Kilanko at the festival will not only be an opportunity to showcase the film on a global stage but also to honour Allwell Ademola’s invaluable contributions to the industry.
The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival has become one of the leading platforms promoting Nigerian films to international audiences, celebrating excellence in filmmaking while connecting Nollywood with the global entertainment community. A nomination at the festival is a testament to the quality, creativity, and storytelling behind Kilanko.
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Beyond the festival recognition, Rotimi Salami also shared exciting news with fans about the future of the project. The film is an Allwell Ademola Foundation Production and will soon be available on THE SALAMIS TV, Rotimi Salami’s official YouTube channel.
Speaking to his followers, Rotimi encouraged everyone to subscribe to the channel ahead of the film’s release.
“An Allwell Ademola Foundation Production. Showing soon on THE SALAMIS TV. You don’t want to miss this one… Kindly subscribe to my YouTube channel if you’re yet to subscribe.”
The upcoming release will give audiences across the world another opportunity to experience the powerful storytelling behind Kilanko while celebrating the creative vision of the late Allwell Ademola.
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It also reflects Rotimi Salami’s continued commitment to promoting quality Nigerian films and ensuring that meaningful stories reach a wider audience.
As anticipation builds for both the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival and the online premiere of Kilanko, fans, colleagues, and film lovers continue to congratulate the cast and crew on this well-deserved international recognition.
The nomination serves as a reminder that exceptional storytelling transcends borders, and it stands as a fitting tribute to Allwell Ademola’s enduring legacy in Nollywood.
Fans are encouraged to stay connected with Rotimi Salami’s official platforms for updates on the festival and the official premiere of Kilanko on THE SALAMIS TV.
Read More: KILANKO Goes Global! Official Selection at TINFF 2026 and Coming to Cinemas in the UK
