Faith-based drama ‘A Visit to Ward 4’ wins awards across four countries ahead of November release
The film A Visit to Ward 4 is set for release in November after collecting awards in Canada, the United States, Germany and on Christian festival circuits. The story follows a family through grief and loss, and stars Rosabelle Andrews as Sarah.
Sarah is a woman who does not believe in God. She loses her only child, then learns she can never have another after surgery removes her womb. Andrews says the role pushed her further than any part she has played before.
‘The character was tough yet relatable because a lot of women are in the same situation all over the world,’ Andrews said. ‘I went through emotions and a range I never knew I had. Truthfully, it is one of the best characters I have ever played.’
Andrews has said the film draws on the loss of her own parents. Her mother died shortly after filming ended. The film’s message comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:13, which speaks of grief alongside hope.
‘I want audiences all around the world to understand that they are never alone,’ she said. ‘It is okay to grieve in any way we deem necessary, but when grieving never lose hope.’
Awards have arrived before audiences have seen the finished film. At a ceremony linked to the Toronto International Film Festival, A Visit to Ward 4 won Best African Family Drama and Best Movie Trailer. At the Christian Online Film Festival, it won Best Feature Film, while Anthony Woode won Best Actor, Andrews won Best Actress and Emmanuela Appah won Best Child Actress.
At the Oniros Film Awards in New York, Andrews won Best Actress. The film was a finalist for Best Feature Film, Woode was a finalist for Best Actor, and Kamsi Ezeagu received a finalist place for Best Young Actress along with an honourable mention. In Germany, the film received a Nollywood Excellence Award at the Nollywood Film Festival Germany, as well as recognition at the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards.
Andrews describes the run of wins as a mix of encouragement and pressure. ‘Personally it means I am doing something right and I need to do more,’ she said. ‘I am happy and excited that A Visit to Ward 4 is going global. Professionally I would say it is a challenge, because the higher you go the more pressure you get to step up.’
She recalls her reaction on hearing the news. ‘I screamed, jumped, laughed and was teary at the same time,’ she said. ‘I wished my parents could see that I am getting it right and staying on the right path. In all, I was truly happy.’
Andrews thanks screenplay developer Chidera Robison, co-stars Anthony Woode, Rosemary Afuwape and Chikezie Obioha, young cast members Emmanuela Appah and Kamsi Ezeagu, along with the director, cinematographers and post-production team, for helping turn a personal project into a finished film.
Viewers who join the film’s global waitlist will get what Andrews calls ‘a journey round Ward 4’ when it releases in November.