The late Nollywood actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola has received a posthumous international honour after her final directorial project, Kilanko (The Invincible Child), secured a nomination at the 2026 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF).

The film was nominated in the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker (Nollywood) category, recognising Ademola's contribution to the Nigerian film industry months after her passing. The project was produced by actor Rotimi Salami, who worked closely with the late filmmaker before her death. 

Sharing the news on social media, Rotimi Salami dedicated the achievement to Ademola, expressing mixed emotions over the recognition. He celebrated the milestone but admitted it was painful that she was no longer alive to witness the success, adding that he would represent the film at the festival alone. 

Kilanko (The Invincible Child) was the last film directed by Allwell Ademola before her death in December 2025. The movie explores themes of motherhood, resilience, sickle cell disease and the struggles surrounding an abiku child, and has been widely described as a lasting tribute to her legacy. 

The nomination has been welcomed by fans and colleagues, many of whom described it as a fitting recognition of Ademola's impact on Nollywood and her enduring contribution to filmmaking.