Nigerian filmmaker Orobosa Ikponmwen is using her upcoming film, Madam Flow, to challenge the silence surrounding puberty and encourage more open conversations about the human body.
The coming-of-age drama, produced by Kinsman Studios, has completed filming and entered post-production. It is co-directed by Ikponmwen and Ayobola Eniola, with support from Africa No Filter.
Set in a conservative Nigerian boarding school, the film follows a curious 13-year-old girl, played by Pamilerin Ayodeji, whose questions about menstruation and puberty trigger a secret rebellion among her schoolmates.
Speaking to The Nollywood Reporter, Ikponmwen said some body image challenges experienced by adults could be traced to how they were taught, or not taught, to understand their bodies as children.
She said the film was inspired partly by the determination of its young protagonist to find solutions to issues that matter to her, despite a society that often discourages children from asking questions.
“You become a problem,” she said, describing how young people who challenge established attitudes can be treated.
Ikponmwen said she hoped the story would encourage adults to reconsider how they respond to children's curiosity, particularly on issues surrounding physical development.
The director said the production team involved the cast in discussions and script readings before filming, allowing the actors to share personal experiences and perspectives that helped shape the story.
The filmmakers also spoke with young people who currently attend or had attended boarding school to create an environment that would feel familiar to audiences.
The cast includes Darasimi Nnadi, Fiyin Asenuga, Tina Mba, Sharon Rotimi, Michael Ejoor and Scarlet Gomez. No release date has been announced.
Ikponmwen also hopes the film will challenge the perception that rebellion is always negative.
“Rebellion isn’t inherently bad,” she said, arguing that constructive challenges to established practices can drive social change. However, she stressed the need to direct such energy towards worthwhile causes.
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