Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Joel ‘Kachi Benson has unveiled his latest masterpiece, “Mothers of Chibok,” at New York’s prestigious Doc NYC festival, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of women who have transformed profound loss into extraordinary resilience. The documentary, which premiered on November 16, breaks new ground in its portrayal of the aftermath of one of Nigeria’s most haunting tragedies.
Following his groundbreaking success with “Daughters of Chibok,” which earned him historic recognition as the first African recipient of the Best Immersive Story award at the 76th Venice International Film Festival, Benson returns to Chibok with a fresh perspective. This time, his lens focuses on four mothers through a complete farming season, capturing their journey of survival and hope in the decade following the traumatic 2014 Boko Haram kidnapping of their daughters.
“For the last five years, I have spent time with the mothers and survivors of the Chibok tragedy,” Benson explains, describing his intimate involvement with the community. I’ve eaten with them in their homes, played with their children, and gone with them to till their farms.” This deep immersion has allowed him to capture a narrative that transcends the typical portrayal of victimhood associated with the Chibok story.
The documentary, produced by the prestigious Impact Partners and Hunting Lane—known for acclaimed works like “The Accountant” and “The Zookeeper’s Wife”—represents a significant shift in how the Chibok narrative is presented to global audiences. Rather than dwelling solely on the tragedy, Benson’s work illuminates the extraordinary resilience and everyday triumphs of these women.
What sets “Mothers of Chibok” apart is its focus on the multifaceted lives of these women beyond their shared tragedy. They are heroines,” Benson emphasizes, noting how they’ve managed to find “moments of joy, laughter, and purpose” while maintaining their hope and determination. This approach offers viewers a more complete picture of their humanity, challenging the one-dimensional portrayal often presented in media coverage.
The timing of this documentary’s release is particularly significant as it coincides with growing global discussions about the representation of African stories in international media. By showcasing these women as “warriors of hope” rather than victims, Benson’s work contributes to a broader conversation about narrative sovereignty and the importance of African storytellers sharing African stories.
The documentary’s premiere at Doc NYC, one of the world’s premier documentary film festivals, positions these Nigerian mothers’ stories alongside other significant global narratives. The festival screening on November 16, with an additional showing scheduled for November 20, marks the beginning of what promises to be an impactful journey for the film.
Plans for a Nigerian tour following the New York screenings suggest the filmmaker’s commitment to ensuring these stories reach their home audience. This local distribution strategy acknowledges the importance of sharing these narratives within Nigeria, where the impact of the Chibok tragedy continues to resonate deeply.
The project builds on Benson’s established reputation for innovative storytelling, demonstrated by his previous work “Daughters of Chibok,” which pioneered the use of virtual reality to convey the emotional depth of the Chibok story. His latest offering maintains this commitment to pushing narrative boundaries while focusing on traditional documentary techniques to capture the intimate moments of daily life.
Through careful observation and respectful storytelling, “Mothers of Chibok” achieves what many documentaries strive for but few accomplish: it transforms a well-known tragedy into a nuanced exploration of human resilience, hope, and the quiet dignity of survival. As the film begins its journey from New York to Nigeria and beyond, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Chibok mothers and the power of documentary filmmaking to reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The documentary not only preserves a crucial chapter in Nigerian history but also elevates the discourse around trauma, resilience, and the complex process of healing in the face of ongoing uncertainty. As these stories prepare to reach audiences worldwide, “Mothers of Chibok” promises to reshape understanding of both the tragedy and the remarkable women who continue to face it with unwavering hope and dignity.
