By Efe Onodjae

Nollywood filmmaker Sonia Irabor has premiered her latest film, SuperNowa, in Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing attention to the rarely discussed issue of childhood anxiety within Nigerian society.

The film, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, marks Irabor’s debut as both writer and director, a task she described as demanding but deeply fulfilling.

Speaking during a post-screening session, Irabor revealed that the project took two years, from ideation to post-production.

“I can’t say one was easier than the other,” she said. “Both writing and directing broke me and rebuilt me. I had to be disciplined, write first, then direct.”

Irabor noted that funding and infrastructural limitations, particularly during post-production, were the biggest challenges faced during the filmmaking process, a reality she said many Nigerian filmmakers would relate to.

SuperNowa tells the story of Nowa Ohini, a 12-year-old intellectually gifted girl in SS2 who struggles with anxiety, represented creatively as an abstract, haunting figure. The story explores family dynamics, societal expectations and mental health through the eyes of a child who prefers solitude and observation over attention.

The lead role is played by Darasimi Nadi, whose performance has drawn praise for its emotional depth.

Speaking at the premiere to our correspondent, the young actress said the film sheds light on anxiety, a condition often misunderstood or ignored in Nigeria.

“It talks about anxiety and the way society responds to it, especially in children,” she said. “It’s something many people don’t talk about.”

Irabor explained that the characters were inspired by personal experiences, including childhood loss and her own encounters with anxiety. She said the story grew organically from one character into an entire family narrative.

The film also addresses issues of stigmatisation, academic pressure and emotional neglect, themes that resonated strongly with the audience at the Lagos premiere.

Despite concerns about piracy, Irabor maintained that tackling the issue lies beyond individual filmmakers, stressing the need for broader industry and institutional solutions.

With SuperNowa, Irabor joins a growing list of Nigerian filmmakers using cinema as a tool for social reflection, while opening conversations around mental health and child development.