By Kamal Yalwa | September 15, 2025
Extra Mile, the compelling feature film by Five2 Media and Entertainment, has clinched the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker – Nollywood award at the 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF).
Produced by Joy Grant and Solate Ovundah-Akarolo, who also served as Executive Producer, Extra Mile was celebrated for its emotional depth, outstanding performances, and refreshing approach to storytelling within Nollywood cinema.
“TINFF’s recognition is an encouragement for female voices in Nollywood to keep breaking boundaries and telling stories that matter,” said producer Joy Grant following the win.
The film explores the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and resilience, brought to life through nuanced performances by Nollywood veterans Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, and Lilian Esoro. Critics and audiences alike praised its honesty and emotional resonance, describing it as both intimate and universally relatable.
The award was received on behalf of Five2 Media by the company’s Canada-based Communications Lead, Oraye St. Franklyn, who expressed gratitude to the entire cast and crew.
For Ovundah-Akarolo, the win is more than a personal milestone — it represents a broader shift in the industry.
“This award signals a turning point,” she said. “Female filmmakers are no longer just part of the conversation — we’re leading it.”
Held in Toronto, a global meeting point for African cinema and the diaspora, the TINFF 2025 Gala drew industry stars and international attendees, including Nigerian comedian Julius Agwu and filmmaker Ayo “AY” Makun.
The recognition of Extra Mile also underscores Nollywood’s evolving presence on the global stage, as it continues to deliver stories that resonate beyond borders. With its universal themes and authentic voice, the film serves as a testament to Nollywood’s storytelling power — and the vital role women are playing in shaping its future.
This win is not just a victory for one film or one filmmaker — it’s a marker of progress, and a signal that Nollywood’s next chapter is being written from a wider, richer, and more inclusive lens.
