Joke Silva Takes the Helm as Executive Producer for 'Mothers of Chibok' Set for Nigerian and Ghanaian Theatres

The upcoming documentary film “Mothers of Chibok,” which highlights the stories of women persevering to educate their children in the wake of the 2014 Boko Haram kidnappings, is set to hit theaters in Nigeria and Ghana on February 27, 2026. This significant project is steered by veteran actress and producer Joke Silva, who serves as the Executive Producer.

Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Joel 'Kachi' Benson, this documentary aims to showcase the daily lives and struggles of the mothers in Chibok. Rather than focusing solely on the tragic events, the film illustrates these women's determination and resilience in maintaining their farms to support their families' educational needs.

This film marks a historic moment in Nigerian documentary filmmaking, as it represents an extensive release for a locally produced documentary film, reaching numerous audiences across both nations. The distribution will be managed by FilmOne Entertainment.

In her explanation for her involvement, Silva emphasized the importance of bringing these women's experiences to light, stating, "After watching, I realized that we don’t often think about these women; we don’t understand what their journey has been. What Kachi has done with this film is amazing. By hearing their voices and seeing their routines, we the audience understand that the Chibok tragedy is about families, education, and community."

Victoria Ogar, the Head of Distribution at FilmOne Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the documentary, saying, "We’re thrilled to be bringing this powerful and hopeful documentary to audiences throughout Nigeria and Ghana. We believe there is a growing audience for documentary storytelling in West Africa, and we’re excited for them to discover Kachi’s beautiful film, which deserves to be seen in a theatrical environment."

Benson himself highlighted the objective of the film, which is to reshape perceptions regarding the women of Chibok, extending beyond the narrative of tragedy that has garnered the world's attention. He articulated, "We think we know the women of Chibok because we know their tragedy. But that tragedy is just one part of their story—the one the world is quick to see. One cannot truly know the mothers of Chibok until you acknowledge the depth of their strength and resilience."

“Mothers of Chibok” had its world premiere at DocNYC and has subsequently been featured in various international festivals, receiving accolades like the Encounters Al Jazeera Award for Best African Feature-Length Documentary in South Africa. Benson also gained recognition as the first Nigerian to win a documentary Emmy for his earlier work, “Madu,” which is currently available on Disney+.

The production was facilitated by JB Multimedia Studios, Hunting Lane, and Impact Partners, together with Shark Island Productions, supported by a mix of local and international producers.

To view the trailer, scroll down for more behind-the-scenes photos.