What Kept Me Up can exclusively reveal a first look at Madam Flow, a new Nigerian coming-of-age film from Kinsman Studios led by Pamilerin Ayodeji.
Set in a conservative Nigerian boarding school, Madam Flow follows a hilariously inquisitive 13-year-old who becomes determined to understand periods and puberty after her best friend gets her first period. Her curiosity soon sparks a secret rebellion among students, challenging a school culture more inclined to punish her questions than answer them.
Ayodeji plays the film’s central character, while Darasimi Nadi plays her best friend. The young actors are joined by Tina Mba, Fiyin Asenuga, Sharon Rotimi, Scarlet Gomez and Michael Ejoor.
Ayodeji broke out with her role in Akinola Davies Jr.’s Sundance-winning short Lizard and has since appeared in titles including Mikolo and Gangs of Lagos. She is also expected to appear in the upcoming adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone.
Madam Flow puts early adolescence at the centre of its story, focusing on an age and experience still comparatively uncommon as the driving perspective of Nigerian feature films. Through its boarding-school setting, the project explores menstruation, puberty and the silence and shame that can surround both subjects.
The film is written by Ololade Okedare and Ayobola Eniola, who also produce through their Lagos-based production company Kinsman Studios. Eniola co-directs with Orobosa Ikponmwen.
“Shifting narratives is not about replacing one extreme with another,” Okedare said in a statement shared with What Kept Me Up. “It is about balance: telling stories that are truthful, grounded, and reflective of real lives.”
Eniola added: “The stories we tell today will shape how the next generation sees itself, and how the world sees Africa.”
Director Ikponmwen, known for BODMAS and The Delectable Azeezah Sama, arrives at Madam Flow during a particularly active period in her career. She has a Nancy Isime-led project, Loving Itohan, scheduled for cinemas on November 6, while Pushing 30, produced by Mayowa Mula, has premiered on Africa Magic Showcase on October 18. Two more of her projects are headed to AFRIFF 2026: Onyinye Odokoro-led Adanne and A Tray of Locust Beans, starring Joke Silva.
Okedare, a former physiotherapist turned screenwriter and producer, was the first Nigerian selected for the Realness–Netflix Development Executive Trainee Programme. Eniola’s previous television experience includes producing the first season of #WithChude and serving as an associate producer on Funmi Iyanda’s PublicEye.
Kinsman Studios’ debut feature, After Two, directed by Eniola and starring Chy Nwakanma and Seun Ajayi, follows a couple racing to save a marriage on the brink of collapse. The film has been picked up for a forthcoming pan-African cable television debut.
Kinsman is also developing romcom The Perfect Spec, starring BamBam, Vine Olugu and gospel artiste Samuel “Limoblaze” Onwubiko in an expected screen debut. The company is additionally involved in the AFRIFF-selected short A Tray of Locust Beans in collaboration with Joke Silva’s Lufodo Productions.
Madam Flow joins a growing slate of Nigerian projects supported by Africa No Filter, including Daddy Bear, Onobiren, EVI, The Other Side of the Bridge, AFRIFF-bound Abeni and The Spectacular Death of Prisca, as the organisation continues backing stories engaging with gender, faith, family and social norms.
With principal photography complete, Madam Flow is now in post-production. Release plans will be announced at a later date.
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