Forty-one years after its publication, The Stillborn, the acclaimed 1984 novel by Zaynab Alkali, is set for its first screen adaptation.
In an interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Prince Daniel confirmed that he has completed the full screenplay after officially securing the rights from Alkali, regarded as Nigeria’s first female novelist from Northern Nigeria.
Daniel described the acquisition as a major step toward introducing a widely studied literary work to a new generation. He expressed gratitude to Alkali, whom he refers to as “Mummy Prof,” noting that the book’s themes of liberation and self-determination remain relevant.
He also cited a notable line from the novel: “It is well to dream, child… Everybody does… but not all dreams are born alive. Some are aborted; others are stillborn.”
According to Daniel, a French studio attempted to adapt the novel in 1998, but the project collapsed due to political instability during the Abacha regime. “Perhaps it was meant for my team and me to bring this story to the screen,” he said.
In a separate development, Daniel’s film KAKA won Best Indigenous Film at the recently concluded Africa Films for Impact Festival (AFRIFF) 2025. The festival, organised by Bright Wonder Obasi, featured a jury including Steve Gukas, Chris Odeh, and Biodun Stephens. KAKA emerged the winner from nine nominated indigenous films, further cementing Daniel’s influence in Nollywood.
Daniel’s AFRIFF win and the upcoming adaptation of The Stillborn highlight the growing attention to homegrown stories and their potential for international recognition.