Nigeria’s film “The New Normal” has won the Best International Narrative at the recent American Black Film Festival (ABFF).
The film directed by Teniola Olatoni won the award at the 24th annual festival which was held online from Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 30.
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. After 24 years, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging black artists.
The Best International Narrative category was presented to Olatoni by president of distribution and networks at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Keith La Goy, and announced by prominent Hollywood actors Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker.
The awards was attended by music and screen greats such as Mary J. Blige, Barry Jenkins, Yvonne Orji, Lil Rel Howery, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Kenya Barris, Lena Waithe, Spike Lee, Naturi Naughton, Nia DaCosta, Lamorne Morris, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Angela Rye, Jemele Hill, Lee Daniels, Lala Anthony amongst many others.
Olatoni who doubles as creative head at Sourmash Stories said she is honoured that the international community is recognising her film in such a huge way.
While accepting the award, she said, “Thank you so much ABFF, Nicole and Jeff, my family and friends, cast and crew and everyone who has been so supportive of this journey to making The New Normal. I can’t wait to share this with the world. I am so excited. Thank you. This is incredible.”
Although the film is yet to be released in Nigeria, The New Normal has been invited to screen at other global film festivals as it continues to receive worldwide attention and critical acclaim.
Produced by Sourmash Stories, The New Normal revolves around the lives of four couples and a single friend as they navigate individual and collective issues of discrimination, misogyny, addiction, mental health, infertility and nepotism while trying their best to keep up appearances and escape society’s suffocating boots with their often hilarious and always surprising results; thus finding their way to a whole New Normal.
The dramedy features a world class cast including Richard Mofe Damijo, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Kehinde Bankole, Yemi Blaq, Femi Jacobs, Meg Otanwa, Mofe Duncan and many more.
Olatoni said there are plans to release the film before the end of the year.
