Exploring the Making of Adanne: A Story of Three Generations of Nigerian Women

Nollywood has gained acclaim for its ability to reflect the realities and daily challenges faced by Nigerians. Films often portray subjects that might be brushed over in everyday conversations, illuminating the unseen narratives. The upcoming film, _Adanne_ , strives to achieve this by telling the story of three generations of Nigerian women and their journeys of legacy, identity, and resilience.

Written and produced by Gold Gerry , _Adanne_ delves into the nuanced dynamics of womanhood, familial relationships, and the complexities surrounding inheritance. It captures the subtle negotiations of love, sacrifice, rivalry, and understanding that bind women across generations.

For Gerry, creating this film transcended mere artistic expression; it is a deeply personal exploration inspired by her relationship with her mother and the experiences shared by many firstborn daughters. _Adanne_ delves into the emotional intricacies of maternal connections with both sincerity and care.

Produced under her independent label, Melon House, the film embodies the aspirations of a new wave of Nigerian filmmakers eager to tell culturally rich tales that are emotionally resonant and have the potential for international appeal. Filming took place in Ibadan with a close-knit crew and a dedicated team, embodying the essence of independent filmmaking—resourcefulness, collaboration, and unwavering passion.

Directed by Orobosa Ikponmwen , the cast includes talents such as Onyinye Odokoro , Somachi Chilaka , Kelvinmary Ndukwe , and Jennifer Umenwa.

In this interview, Gerry shares insights into the personal motivations behind _Adanne_ , the hurdles of establishing a production company, and her commitment to storytelling that highlights the everyday tensions faced by women.

The conversation begins with Gerry expressing her feelings about the project.

Hello Gold. How are you feeling?

Hi, I’m doing well. Hope you’re doing great as well?

I am well, thank you. As the writer, what inspired you to write Adanne, and what do you hope viewers take away from the movie when it’s released?

My inspiration stemmed from my relationship with my mum. Over the years, we navigated various aspects of a mother-daughter bond, which I wanted to authentically portray. I’ve realized that many of my friends who are firstborn daughters or the only girls in their family face similar situations. This realization made me see the universality of this struggle; it's not just my story—it’s relatable for many women. I poured my heart into _Adanne_ , and my hope is that viewers feel the complexities of loneliness, love, and tension that women experience. I aim for audiences to recognize their own stories as well as their mothers' sacrifices and struggles, fostering a sense of understanding and connection through our narrative.

Before we delve deeper into the movie, let’s talk about you. What initially drew you to filmmaking, and at which point did you decide to pursue it seriously?

I’ve always been a storyteller—from primary school, I wrote stories and created characters. This instinctual drive led me to collaborate with people I admire, like BB Sasore and Eku Edewor. My experience in a Netflix writers' room was pivotal; it introduced me to storytelling at an extensive scale—meticulous, intentional, and cooperative. This experience incentivized me to pursue filmmaking wholeheartedly. I began attending screenwriting classes and sought opportunities that would hone my skills, evolving my passion into a career focus.


Independent filmmaking demands considerable personal sacrifice. What were some challenges you encountered while building Melon House, and how have those experiences shaped you?

Personal sacrifice has been significant. Financially, I built Melon House based on my first short film, Boo’d Up, which we produced for $3,000. Transitioning from that to establishing a production house while juggling my corporate career was daunting. Besides financial hurdles, finding the right collaborators was challenging. Building a community in this industry is crucial, but it doesn’t come easily. There were times when I encountered misalignments. Ultimately, I found a supportive network of creatives whose vision aligned with mine, which honed my discernment when it came to casting, hiring crews, and selecting the right opportunities for myself and Melon House. The sacrifices made me more strategic and protective of the creative environment I want to foster.


_Adanne. Melon House_

Bringing Adanne to fruition was undoubtedly a community effort. Can you recount the process from development to production? What were some of the most challenging moments during filming, and what was essential in bringing this film to life?

The script development began with an intense inspiration on the very first night, where I wrote 30 pages. Wanting to share the emotional essence of the story, I let my close circle—my partner, Lotanna Nwose , and scriptwriter, Stephanie Ngaduba —read those early drafts. Their interest motivated me to continue. After a year, the script was complete, but to enhance the narrative, we required external feedback. Hosting a read-through with a diverse audience helped clarify and solidify our vision.

After that, we searched for a director, secured funding, and built a production team. Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional investment required for _Adanne_. Numerous challenges arose, particularly concerning locations. We faced unexpected complications, including financial exploitation attempts from previously agreed arrangements. Nonetheless, assembling a crew of 40 for a drama feature shoot in Ibadan over eight days felt daunting—and yet, we succeeded. However, after day three, we had to constantly adjust our carefully arranged plans based on location and logistical challenges. Experiencing both the creative and production responsibilities allowed me to remain emotionally connected to the film while making necessary practical choices. I cannot express enough gratitude to our talented team, from our director Orobosa Ikponmwen to the production manager Adamson Ali and every crew member, who collectively brought _Adanne_ to life.


_Adanne. Melon House_

Securing funding for any film can be challenging. From your perspective as a founder, how did you manage the financial aspects of Adanne?

Securing funds was undoubtedly the toughest aspect of creating _Adanne_. It often felt like a painful extraction. We found a clear gap in structured support for independent filmmakers. Although we received what seemed like our first viable opportunity, we had to turn it down as it demanded compromising our integrity as creators. That moment defined our mission.

We had to ask ourselves how committed we were to this project. If everyone rejected our approach, would we still pursue it? The answer was a resounding yes. The narrative we were building was too vital not just as a female-centric piece but also as a culturally authentic representation of our Igbo heritage. Even during the times when funding seemed tenuous, our resolve did not waver. We tapped into personal savings, reached out to friends and family, and embraced tighter budgets, foregoing luxuries. Despite the financial strains, I take immense pride in stating that we concluded our time in Ibadan without debt. As we enter post-production, we remain eager for financial support and collaborations, as our journey is far from over.


_Adanne. Melon House_

Reflecting on the shooting process, is there a specific moment that stands out as particularly memorable? Perhaps a humorous incident or when the vision for the film truly came together?

One of my most cherished memories from filming was observing Onyinye Odokoro and Kelvin Mary engage playfully as if they were genuinely a married couple. The two were so deeply invested in their roles that the chemistry transcended on-set boundaries. They consistently kept character interactions even off-camera, drawing the entire crew into their dynamic. At times, it seemed like we were all integrated into the world they inhabited. Amidst the pressures and exhaustion of the shoot, their enthusiasm was refreshing and reminded me why casting is essential. When done right, the narrative practically comes alive. Perhaps in the future, we might release some behind-the-scenes footage of their amusing off-camera exchanges, as it was genuinely enjoyable. I truly miss those moments.