Filmmaker Doris Ariole has spoken about the recognition her faith-based films, Not Letting Go and Unboxing Love, received at the 10th edition of the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), where both projects earned multiple nominations across major categories.
The films received nominations for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Child Actor, Best African Thriller/Drama, Best Nollywood Narrative and Best Faith-based Film, further highlighting Ariole’s growing presence in faith-based cinema.
Speaking exclusively with The Nollywood Reporter (TNR), Ariole reveals that both films are part of a collection she calls The BTS of Grace: The Inner Workings of God’s Grace, inspired by one of the darkest periods of her life.
“They were born from one of the darkest seasons of my life, a season of grief. In that place, God revealed something profound to me: His grace never stops, never leaves, and never fails those who trust Him.”
According to Ariole, the films seek to remind audiences that grace is not earned through human effort but is a gift from God that sustains and restores people through life’s deepest pain. She hopes the stories will spark conversations about healing, hope and forgiveness.
Reflecting on her filmmaking process, Ariole describes casting as one of the most spiritual aspects of production. She says she and her producing partner, Kady Edwards-Campbell, pray through every casting decision while considering each actor’s preparedness, professionalism and emotional suitability for a role.
“I enjoy writing characters that reveal new layers of an actor’s depth and range.”
Rather than typecasting performers, Ariole says she deliberately creates characters that challenge actors and allow them to showcase different dimensions of their craft.
“Many of the actors in Not Letting Go and Unboxing Love received their first international nominations through these films. I believe that happens because I intentionally tailor characters to an actor’s unique strengths. Great acting happens when the right and prepared actor meets the right story and director.”
For Ariole, the TINFF recognition is both humbling and affirming, she says the nominations reinforce her belief that faith-based films can compete at the highest international level without compromising biblical truth, a vision that continues to guide her work through Hadassah Faith Storytelling.
“I am especially grateful to share this journey with my producing partner, Kady Edwards-Campbell. These recognitions are not just wins for us as filmmakers; they are encouragement that Kingdom storytelling has a meaningful place on the global stage.”
“Ultimately, our goal is simple: to ensure these stories travel as far as God intends, reaching hearts across nations with messages of grace, hope and love.”
Looking ahead, Ariole says her team at Hadassah, alongside Kaemedia, is focused on introducing Unboxing Love to wider audiences. The film is scheduled to premiere at TINFF before receiving a global release on Hadassah TV Original, the company’s YouTube-based virtual cinema platform, with additional screenings, including in Nigeria, also being explored.
Ariole, who writes every film she directs, says her creative process begins with the screenplay, where her directorial vision is already taking shape. While every Hadassah production is rooted in faith, she insists faith-based storytelling should never be predictable or uninspiring.
“Every story world must have its own unique style, structure, emotional rhythm and visual language. I intentionally craft each film to honour the world it exists in while ensuring God’s grace remains the heartbeat of the story.”
