“Single and Seasoned”, a Nollywood advocacy film challenging stereotypes against single career women, has premiered in the Federal Capital Territory. Filmmakers, actors, film lovers, members of the cast and crew and other stakeholders in the creative sector attended the Tuesday premiere in Abuja.
Produced by Dosh Motif Ltd, the movie highlights the daily pressure, stigma and deprivation that single women face, often from those closest to them. It was shot in the FCT and produced by Dooshyma Kumbur, with a cast that includes Nazareth Jesse, David Allgreen, Joy Ugbem, Dooshyma Kumbur and Linda Akohol, among others.
Director Emmanuel Eyaba, who is also the Public Relations Officer of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, said the film goes beyond entertainment to advocate relief for single career women. He noted that the movie will be released on streaming platforms so wider audiences can access its message.
Eyaba explained that “Single and Seasoned” tackles the common belief that once a woman is 40 or older and unmarried, something must be wrong with her and she must be pushed into marriage. He stressed that while marriage is good, women should not be forced into it and can instead focus on building successful careers and businesses without undue pressure.
On the red carpet, producer Dooshyma Kumbur said the film aims to confront the stigma directed at single career women despite their contributions to their families and society. She said the story centres on the dilemmas of mature single ladies whose status is often treated as a taboo simply because they are not married.
According to her, such women face pressure from family, churches, workplaces and even romantic partners. She said the film was made to encourage them not to see life after 40 as a failure and to resist giving in to negative expectations.
Kumbur also pointed out that the film industry offers numerous career opportunities for unemployed youths, regardless of gender. She urged stakeholders to pay closer attention to the sector as a potential employer and platform for empowerment.
Sharing her experience, star actress Nazareth Jesse said she played Chinenye, a single woman who strongly believed in love and companionship. In the film, the character goes as far as hiring younger men in search of a relationship, but her efforts fail, reflecting the emotional struggles many single women face.