By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Documentary filmmaker, Benson, shines a light on the untold stories of resilience and hope in “Mothers of Chibok,” a portrayal of four mothers coping with the aftermath of the 2014 Boko Haram kidnapping of their daughters in Northeast Nigeria.
The film recently had its world premiere at the annual documentary film festival Doc NYC in New York on November 16.
Benson’s intimate documentary follows these women over a farming season, revealing their unwavering faith and perseverance. This film is a companion piece to his acclaimed virtual reality experience, “Daughters of Chibok,” which earned him the Best Immersive Story award at the 76th Venice International Film Festival.
Benson shares his connection to the project. He said, “For the last five years, I have spent time with the mothers and survivors of the Chibok tragedy. I’ve eaten with them in their homes, played with their children, and gone with them to till their farms. Above all, I’ve listened to their stories – the ones they’ve told me, and those I overhear in passing conversations. And what I’ve learned is that the women of Chibok are more than the tragedy that is mainly used to describe them.”
He emphasizes the women’s strength by saying, “They are heroines. They have not forgotten their daughters, but they’ve continued living, finding moments of joy, laughter, and purpose. This film captures their full humanity – not just the sorrow – but the strength, the courage, and the quiet moments of triumph. It’s time the world sees these women for who they truly are, not as victims, but as warriors of hope. This is a side to them that not very many are familiar with. And this is why I chose to make ‘Mothers of Chibok’ – a film about women bravely holding onto hope in the face of adversity.”
Produced by Impact Partners and Hunting Lane Films, “Mothers of Chibok” will continue screening at the festival on November 20 before touring Nigeria.
