Director Eunice Sammy addresses the realities faced by firstborn daughters in Ada, a short film that draws from personal experience and broader social observation.
The project centres on the expectations often placed on firstborn daughters within Nigerian families, particularly the pressure to prioritise family needs over personal choices. Through its narrative, the film explores themes of sacrifice, emotional blackmail, assertiveness and identity.
According to Sammy, the story is rooted in both lived experience and patterns she has observed over time.
“Ada is a very personal story to me as a firstborn daughter,” she says. “Beyond that, I have also observed that most firstborn daughters in African homes face similar situations where they have to literally carry their families.”
She explains that these expectations often come with little room for refusal, noting that firstborn daughters are expected to show up regardless of personal cost. When they do not, they are sometimes labelled as selfish or ungrateful.
According to the director, the film highlights an ongoing reality that is rarely discussed openly. She adds that while firstborn daughters are often praised for their strength, that recognition is frequently tied to how much they sacrifice.
“But then what happens when they’re burnt out, try to speak up and choose to do what is best for them?” she asks.
Sammy also points to a broader societal perception she hopes the film challenges—the idea that firstborn daughters are expected to function as assistant parents within the family structure. She argues that this expectation places emotional and psychological strain on them without regard for their own needs.
In approaching the film, she says her directing process begins with ensuring that cast and crew understand the emotional core of the story. This is followed by detailed character work, allowing actors to build stronger connections to their roles.
“The most exciting part of this project for me was watching the actors bring the story to life,” she says. “They properly digested their characters and made directing easier for me.”
Written by Ona Nwankwo, Ada is positioned by its director as a conversation starter. Sammy says she hopes the film resonates with audiences and encourages reflection within families.
“I hope people watch it and understand that firstborn daughters get tired too,” she says. “I also hope firstborn daughters see themselves in the story and feel understood.”
She adds that creating that sense of recognition, even for a single viewer, would make the project meaningful.
