Sylvia is a 2018 Nigerian supernatural thriller film directed by Daniel Oriahi, written by Vanessa Kanu, and produced by Ekene Som Mekwunye for Trino Motion Pictures. The film was screened at Nollywood Week in Paris on 5 May 2018 and was released in cinemas on 21 September 2018.
Plot Richard Okezie decides to leave Sylvia, his lifelong imaginary friend and lover for Gbemi a flesh-and-blood real woman, but complications arise when Sylvia decides to destroy Richard's peaceful life.Sylvia (2018).
Cast Chris Attoh as Richard Okezie Zainab Balogun as Sylvia Ini Dima-Okojie as Gbemi Udoka Oyeka as Obaro Ijeoma Grace Agu as Hawa Captain Coker as Little Richard Amina Mustapha as Little Sylvia Precious Shedrack as Teenage Sylvia Dumpet Enebeli as Teenage Obaro Ndifreke Josiah Etim as Teenage Richard Mohammed Abdullahi Saliu as Mr Hassan Omotunde Adebowale David (Lolo) as Mrs Iweta Lord Frank as Mr Temidayo Davies Bolaji Ogunmola as Nurse Karen Elsie Eluwa as Richards Mum
Release The film was first screened in May 2018 at Nollywood Week Paris. The official trailer was released on 6 August 2018. After a premiere at Terra Kulture on 16 September 2018, the film was released in cinemas on 21 September 2018.
Critical reception
Sylvia received positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at its storyline, performances, cinematography, and themes. Franklin Ugobude of PulseNG commended the performances of the lead actors and the film's score, highlighting its refreshing take on a familiar theme of spirituality that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Precious Nwogwu of MamaZeus called Sylvia "spellbinding" and praised its cinematography, casting, costuming, story, and locations, describing it as one of the best Nollywood films.
The Maveriq of Tha Revue described Sylvia as "one of the darkest thrillers" in Nollywood and acknowledged Trino Studios for its departure from traditional Nollywood productions.REVUE OF SYLVIA
Oris Aigbokhaevbolo in his feature review on BellaNaija, wrote: "It was heartening to have the origin of the spirit-spouse be broached but never really explained. The film shows it is the product of a Nigerian mind in how the existence of the spiritual realm is taken as a given, and its characters are modern figures wrestling ancient myths, citified kids fighting what we think of us as village people".
Accolades Film festivals
Date Festival 5 May 2018 Nollywood Week Paris 23 May 2019 Africa Film Trinidad and Tobago
+List of award nominations Award Category Recipients and nominees Result Africa Film Academy (14th Africa Movie Academy Awards) Best Young/Promising Actor Zainab Balogun Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (2020 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards) Best Actress in a Drama Zainab Balogun Best Writer Movies/ TV Series Vanessa Kanu Golden Movie Awards (2019 Golden Movie Awards) Golden Actor in Drama Chris Attoh Golden Actress in Drama Zainab Balogun Golden Supporting Actress in Drama Ini Dima-Okojie Golden Movie Drama Sylvia (Ekene Som Mekwunye) Overall Golden Movie Sylvia Golden Sound Editor Michael Ogunlade Golden Editor Video Jude Chidebe
See also List of Nigerian films of 2018
References
External links