‘The Benefactor’: A Bold Nollywood Film Confronting Abuse and Silence

The debut screening of The Benefactor marked a pivotal moment in Nollywood’s evolving narrative landscape. Beyond the usual buzz surrounding a new release, the film’s premiere sparked a profound dialogue about a painful reality: what happens when those entrusted with our safety become the source of our deepest wounds?

A Story Rooted in Harsh Realities

Crafted by screenwriter Temiloluwa Fosudo and brought to life under the direction of Adeoluwa Owu, The Benefactor fearlessly explores this unsettling question. The plot centers on Tuntunlade, an emerging music sensation whose aspirations unravel as the person she once trusted as a benefactor reveals a darker, abusive side. Featuring compelling performances from Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, Akin Lewis, Bimbo Manuel, and Tobi Makinde, the film captures the raw emotional turmoil that many Nigerians endure but seldom discuss openly.

Breaking Away from Nollywood’s Comfort Zone

Director Adeoluwa Owu intentionally diverged from Nollywood’s typical preference for comedy and lighthearted themes. For him, this project was deeply personal. “Family forms the foundation of our future,” he reflects. “The environment we nurture for our children shapes generations to come.” Through this film, Owu sought not just to entertain but to hold up a mirror to society, exposing the uncomfortable truths often masked by humor and distraction.

Music as a Vessel for Unspoken Pain

Choosing to portray Tuntunlade as a musician was a deliberate narrative device. Fosudo explains that music serves as her protagonist’s emotional outlet-a language through which she expresses anguish that words alone cannot convey. This artistic choice invites viewers to connect with her suffering on a visceral level, transcending the need for explicit explanation.

Inspired by Global Stories, Rooted in Nigerian Experience

While the film draws inspiration from an Indian movie addressing abuse and silence, Fosudo was determined to craft a story uniquely Nigerian. The screenplay reflects the complex interplay of power dynamics, familial bonds, and societal silence prevalent in Nigeria. His wife, a committed feminist, played a vital role in ensuring the narrative remained authentic and sensitive, steering clear of clichés to portray trauma and resilience with honesty.

The Irony Behind ‘The Benefactor’

The title itself carries a poignant irony. Traditionally, a benefactor is a protector and supporter. Yet, in this narrative-and in the lives of countless survivors-the very individuals expected to safeguard become perpetrators of harm. This bitter reality is especially resonant in Nigeria, where abuse is frequently concealed, excused, or ignored due to familial ties. The culture of silence often shields offenders from accountability.

Portraying the Hidden Darkness

Actor Tobi Makinde, who embodies one of the abusers, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue. “Perpetrators must face strict consequences and psychological assessment,” he asserts. His role required him to confront the unsettling truth of abusers who operate within the family circle, camouflaged by affection and trust.

An Emotional Journey with a Message of Hope

The Benefactor is an intense cinematic experience, guiding audiences through waves of anger, sorrow, and introspection. Despite its heavy themes, the film ultimately offers hope. Attendees at the premiere shared feelings of empowerment and a renewed commitment to breaking the silence surrounding abuse. Many expressed admiration for survivors’ resilience and a determination to foster open conversations within their communities.

Empowering Survivors and Demanding Accountability

The film’s core message is unequivocal: survivors possess immense strength beyond their circumstances, and healing is attainable. However, this healing journey begins only when society listens to survivors and holds abusers responsible for their actions.

More Than Entertainment: A Catalyst for Change

As The Benefactor continues to screen across Nigerian cinemas, it transcends mere entertainment. It ignites critical conversations, demands justice, and exemplifies cinema’s power to challenge societal norms and inspire transformation. Director Adeoluwa Owu hopes that anyone affected by abuse or family dysfunction who watches the film will leave with a vital truth: “There is hope and support. You will emerge stronger.”

Nollywood’s Growing Role in Social Advocacy

The Benefactor stands as a testament to Nollywood’s capacity to tell impactful stories that resonate deeply and promote healing. While confronting uncomfortable realities is challenging, silence only perpetuates harm by protecting wrongdoers. This film is a call to break that silence and foster a culture of accountability and empathy.