The cast, crew and notable members of the Nigerian entertainment industry gathered in Lagos for a special screening of Anwuli, a Nigerian film exploring the emotional, medical and financial realities of raising a child living with Sickle Cell Disease.
The screening brought together actors, filmmakers and industry veterans for an evening of storytelling, entertainment and conversations around sickle cell awareness, with the film using the experiences of one family to highlight the challenges faced by people living with the condition and their caregivers.
Hosted by Eukeria David and Mario, the event featured a red carpet reception, poetry and dance performances, audience engagement activities and the screening of the film. Following the screening, the cast and crew were invited on stage to receive applause from the audience, with a special recognition given to Mama Baliki.
The hosts also celebrated the Executive Producer, Zikky Alloy, and his wife on their 10th wedding anniversary, while acknowledging the presence of veteran actors and other distinguished guests.
A Story of Family, Sickle Cell and Survival
Anwuli follows the story of Mma, a Lagos-based tailor, and her husband, Abuoma, a commercial motorcyclist, as they struggle with poverty while caring for their seven-year-old daughter, Anwuli, who lives with Sickle Cell Disease.
As the family’s financial situation deteriorates, Mma is forced to sell her sewing machine to raise money for her daughter’s medication. However, her husband’s misunderstanding of the child’s condition and their disagreements over money create further tension in an already difficult situation.
When Anwuli experiences a severe health crisis, the couple face another desperate struggle to raise money for hospital treatment. The tragedy that follows leaves their marriage shattered, eventually pushing Mma to reconsider her life and walk away from the relationship.
Through its storyline, the film explores the intersection of poverty, family relationships, medical challenges, misinformation and the emotional burden of caring for a child with a chronic health condition.
The film stars Tonia Chukwurah, Mma Nkwocha, Bukola Thomas, Eric Obinna and Zikky Alloy, among others. It was produced by Zikky Alloy and directed and co-produced by Victor Eyike.
Cast and Crew Share Their Experience
Following the screening, the Executive Producer and lead actor, Zikky Alloy, invited the director to address the audience.
Victor Eyike acknowledged Stella Maris as a direct inspiration behind the project, explaining that it was after attending her class that the Executive Producer reached out to him to begin working on the film.
The lead actress also addressed the audience, while Zikky Alloy spoke about the film’s achievements, his ambition to break records and the excitement of having the production selected for the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
The cast and crew subsequently took a collective bow to acknowledge the audience’s reception of the film.
Among the notable personalities at the screening were veteran actors Kepi Ekpeyoung Bassey, Jude Chukwuka, Adedayo Davies, Ronnie Dikko, Chioma Nwosu, Francis Onwuche, Tunbosun Aiyedehin and Stella Maris.
Sickle Cell Awareness Takes Centre Stage
One of the most significant parts of the evening came after the screening, when Pastor Olumide Ojeleye led a meditation session before a panel discussion focused on sickle cell disease.
The discussion featured Dr Vera and Dr Olatunji, who provided information about genotypes, how sickle cell disease works, possible treatment and cures, and approaches to managing the condition.
The session gave attendees an opportunity to engage with important medical information and better understand the realities of living with sickle cell disease.
A thanksgiving session followed, bringing the evening’s programme to a close.
What’s Next for Anwuli?
Selected for the 15th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2026, Anwuli is set to reach a wider audience through additional screenings and festival appearances.
The production team also announced plans for a nationwide screening tour to make the film accessible to more Nigerians and encourage conversations around the issues it explores. The film is also expected to participate in international film festivals.
Beyond its entertainment value, Anwuli uses the power of cinema to bring attention to a condition that affects many Nigerian families, particularly those navigating the challenges of access to healthcare, medical information and financial support.
With its combination of emotional storytelling, family drama and an important health conversation, the film aims to leave audiences thinking about the people and experiences behind sickle cell disease.
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