A Legacy in Frames: Rotimi Salami Honors the Late Allwell Ademola with "Kilanko"

Rotimi Salami & Allwell Ademola

The Nigerian film industry is no stranger to the bittersweet intersection of art and mortality, but some losses hit with a weight that words struggle to carry. On December 27, 2025, the vibrant and immensely talented Allwell Ademola passed away at the age of 49, leaving a void in Nollywood that felt impossible to fill.

For her close friend and frequent collaborator, Rotimi Salami, the grief was silenced by a singular mission, ensuring that her final creative vision,the one she poured her blood, sweat, and soul into reaches the world.

​In a deeply moving video recently shared on his Instagram, a visibly emotional but resolute Rotimi Salami broke his silence. He admitted that the only reason he hadn't spoken sooner was the fear of breaking down. He wanted to remain strong for the project they built together, a cinematic masterpiece titled "Kilanko: The Invisible Child."

​The story of Kilanko is one of deep friendship and professional trust. Rotimi revealed that the project began as a shared dream. While he took on the mantle of producer, handling the logistics, funding, and the hunt for sponsors, he knew there was only one person capable of bringing the heart of the story to life behind the lens.

​"When I told her we should do something big, she said she wasn’t ready," Rotimi recounted. "And I said, 'Don’t worry, I’ll produce this, you just direct.'"

​That leap of faith resulted in a production that Rotimi describes as being "shot in five pieces." This wasn't because of a lack of organization, but rather a relentless pursuit of perfection. They didn't want to just make another movie; they wanted to create a landmark. Rotimi’s voice swells with pride when he speaks of the work Allwell did, noting that he had already envisioned the standing ovations and the major accolades she would receive once the public saw her directorial prowess on this scale.

Kilanko: The Invisible Child is more than just a drama; it is a conceptualized tribute to the strength of the African woman. Rotimi emphasizes that the film explores the profound sacrifices mothers make to keep their children alive and thriving. It is a story designed to resonate with women globally, celebrating a resilience that is often felt but rarely fully articulated on the big screen.

​It is poignantly ironic that a film dedicated to the strength of women will now serve as the final testament to one of Nollywood’s strongest female voices. Allwell Ademola was known for her versatility, her humor, and her deep understanding of human emotion, all qualities that Rotimi promises are woven into the fabric of Kilanko.

​The original timeline for the film’s release was shattered by the "rude shock" of Allwell’s passing in late 2025. However, rather than letting the project sit on a shelf as a painful memory, Rotimi has worked tirelessly to ensure its release serves as a celebration of her life.

​The wait is finally over. Rotimi has confirmed that the cinema boards have provided a date. "Kilanko: The Invisible Child" is set to hit theaters nationwide on March 6, 2026.

​The journey to the big screen will begin with a grand premiere on March 1st. This event is expected to be an emotional gathering of the industry’s finest, coming together to witness the final bow of a director who left us too soon.

​In his heartfelt address, Rotimi Salami didn't just share news; he made a plea. Transitioning from a producer to a grieving friend, he asked the public and his colleagues, both senior and junior for their support.

​"You don’t really have to be an actor to support me," he urged. "You can help us create content, you can help us post when you can."

​The goal is clear: to make Kilanko a success not just for the sake of the box office, but to ensure that Allwell Ademola's final contribution to Nigerian culture is seen by as many people as possible. It is a request for a community to rally around a legacy, turning a moment of mourning into a movement of appreciation.

​As March approaches, the anticipation for Kilanko: The Invisible Child grows. It stands as a reminder that while the artist may be gone, the art remains, immortal, invisible yet felt, much like the child in the title. Let us show up for Rotimi, but most importantly, let us show up for Allwell.