By Obiesie Ifechi

Nigerian actress and filmmaker Faithia Williams has broken the silence amid the backlash and controversies surrounding her upcoming film, “Efunroye the Unicorn.”

Critics have expressed concerns over the film’s portrayal of certain cultural themes and characters.

In a recent Instagram Post, Faithia addressed the backlash sparked by her portrayal of the historical figure Madam Efunroye Tinubu, a 19th-century slave trader and kingmaker.

Read also:

10 things to know about Madam Efunroye Tinubu, the powerful slave trader and kingmaker

According to her, the film is not a ‘promotional piece’ but a work of artistic interpretation and storytelling.

The filmmaker emphasized the film’s intent to celebrate Nigerian heritage and showcase unique storytelling.

She acknowledged the varied reactions but encouraged viewers to approach the film with an

open mind, highlighting its positive messages and cultural significance.

The actress also clarified that the movie is not a biopic but rather a fictionalized account inspired by Madam Tinubu’s life.

She wrote, ”With over six million views on my post, I do not take your support for granted—your interest and feedback are truly appreciated. However, the passion and emotions surrounding this project (especially on Twitter), while inspiring, have led to some misconceptions that I would like to clarify.

“Firstly, “Efunroye: The Unicorn” is not a promotional piece intended to glorify or whitewash a divisive historical figure like Madam Efunroye Tinubu, nor does it carry any political intent or affiliation. This film is purely a work of artistic interpretation and storytelling. As a filmmaker, my goal is to bring Nigerian stories to life on screen, and this is no exception.

“The movie is an attempt to present Madam Tinubu’s life in a balanced and nuanced way, showcasing her triumphs, challenges, and the complex legacy she left behind. It is not an effort to reshape or glorify the historical narrative. Like all historical figures, Madam Tinubu’s story is layered, and this film aims to capture both her strengths and controversies.

”I want to emphasize that “Efunroye: The Unicorn” is first and foremost a creative expression meant to entertain, educate, and spark thoughtful conversations. It is not a documentary or a political statement. As with any artistic work, it draws from history but also takes creative liberties to make the story more engaging for modern audiences. I believe that through this film, we can explore important parts of our history, but it is important to understand that it remains a work of fiction inspired by real events.”

She added that while the movie is still in its developmental stage, she remains “dedicated to ensuring that this story is told in the most authentic and impactful way possible.”