Nigerian director, Teniola Olatoni’s film, The New Normal has bagged an international award. It won Best International Narrative at the Annual ABFF Jury Awards. The 24th annual festival which was held online, took place from Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 30.
In recognition of the groundbreaking impact the yet-to-be-released film would have in Nigeria, the Black diaspora and the International community in general, the movie was found worthy and of the highest standard by the jury in a hotly contested category that had such amazing films like Coming From Insanity (Nigeria), The Male Revolt (Brazil), Get Luke Lowe (United Kingdom) and Efunsetan Aniwura (Nigeria).
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent and after 24 years, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging black artists.
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The Best International Narrative category was presented to Teniola Olatoni by president of distribution and networks at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Keith La Goy, and announced by prominent Hollywood actors Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker.
The awards had in attendance music and screen greats such as Mary J. Blige, Barry Jenkins, Yvonne Orji, Lil Rel Howery, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Kenya Barris, Lena Waithe, Spike Lee, Naturi Naughton, Nia DaCosta, Lamorne Morris, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Angela Rye, Jemele Hill, Lee Daniels, Lala Anthony amongst many others.
Olatoni who doubles as creative head at Sourmash Stories said she found herself incredibly honored that the international community is recognising her film in such a huge way. “Thank you so much ABFF, Nicole and Jeff, my family and friends, cast and crew and everyone who has been so supportive of this journey to making The New Normal. I can’t wait to share this with the world. I am so excited. Thank you. This is incredible.” she said excitedly during her acceptance speech.
In addition to the award, The New Normal has been invited to screen at other global film festivals as it continues to receive worldwide attention and critical acclaim.
Produced by Sourmash Stories, The New Normal revolves around the lives of four couples and a single friend as they navigate individual and collective issues of discrimination, misogyny, addiction, mental health, infertility and nepotism while trying their best to keep up appearances and escape society’s suffocating boots with their often hilarious and always surprising results; thus finding their way to a whole New Normal.
The dramedy features a world class cast including Richard Mofe Damijo, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Kehinde Bankole, Yemi Blaq, Femi Jacobs, Meg Otanwa, Mofe Duncan and many more.
On when it will be released, Olatoni revealed that they are working on plans to ensure that the movie can be brought to its anticipating fans in the safest and most entertaining way before this year.
