Nigerian producer Joy Grant-Ekong has earned international acclaim as her film Extra Mile was named Best Film by a Female Filmmaker at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2025.

Co-produced with Solate Ovundah-Akarolo, Extra Mile is a Lagos-set drama exploring themes of resilience, sacrifice, and human endurance. The film follows a story of friendship tested by betrayal and difficult choices, with performances by Nollywood veterans including Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, and Lilian Esoro. Critics and audiences alike have noted the film’s “honesty and emotional clarity,” highlighting how it balances intimate storytelling with universal human experiences.

Joy Grant-Ekong, with more than 15 years in the Nigerian film industry, has previously worked on acclaimed projects for Netflix, M-Net, Amazon Prime, and MTV Base. Speaking on her TINFF recognition, she said, “This award is deeply personal. Extra Mile reflects the heart of African resilience, and I am honored that it has found its place on an international platform. This recognition is also for every woman in film who dares to dream, create, and break boundaries.”

The win at TINFF 2025 reinforces Nollywood’s growing global presence and underscores the significant role women filmmakers play in shaping the industry’s narrative landscape. Grant-Ekong’s Extra Mile continues her commitment to telling authentic African stories and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers both in Nigeria and abroad.