Rotimi Salami reacts after late Allwell Ademola’s film earns Toronto nomination, expressing mixed emotions over the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker category

Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami, on Tuesday, 1 July 2026, expressed a mix of pride and emotional reflection after announcing that a film project involving the late actress Allwell Ademola had received a nomination at a film festival in Toronto, Canada, highlighting what has now become a poignant milestone in the actress’s posthumous recognition.

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The actor made the revelation via his Instagram page, where he shared that the film titled Kilanko had been nominated for Best Film by a Female Filmmaker (Nollywood) at the Toronto-based festival.

Rotimi Salami’s reaction carried both celebration and sentiment as he acknowledged the absence of his late colleague while reflecting on the recognition of their collaborative work.

“SHUGA BOO SEE O CONGRATULATIONS. KILANKO GOT YOU A NOMINATION IN TORONTO, CANADA,” he wrote.

The actor added a lighter but emotional remark about attending the event, saying, “So I will go represent us alone abi,” before concluding with, “All is well sha.”

The nomination has drawn attention within Nollywood circles, particularly due to the emotional undertone of Salami’s message and the continued recognition of Ademola’s creative legacy.

He also expressed appreciation to the organisers of the festival for recognising the film, tagging the event platform in his post.

The nomination adds to growing international visibility for Nigerian independent films, which have increasingly featured in global festivals showcasing African storytelling and female-led productions.

Industry observers note that the recognition of Kilanko underscores the expanding reach of Nollywood content beyond domestic audiences, particularly in categories focused on female filmmakers and cross-cultural storytelling.

Allwell Ademola, who remains fondly remembered in the industry, continues to receive posthumous acknowledgements through creative works and collaborations that highlight her contribution to Nigerian film.

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The development has sparked emotional reactions among fans and colleagues, with many describing the nomination as both a celebration of artistic achievement and a reminder of a life and career that left a lasting impact.