A new Islamic-themed family drama, Al-Usri Yusra, has premiered in Abuja, delivered a strong message on faith, patience, and unity within the home.
The film, produced by Dr. Ilias Aliyu, debuted at Silverbird Cinema Abuja, attracted families, community members, and film enthusiasts. The premiere marked a significant moment for faith-based storytelling within Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
Aliyu, a respected figure in Abuja’s creative industry, is not new to filmmaking. He is a well-known thespian, a former Governor of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners(ANTP), and has contributed significantly to theatre and film development in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during the event, he explained that the film is inspired by everyday realities in Muslim homes, where families face challenges that test their resilience and faith. He said the title Al-Usri Yusra, meaning “after hardship comes ease,” reflected the core message of patience and collective endurance.
“Every home will experience challenges—wives, husbands, and children alike. But the strength to continue and maintain faith in Allah is what truly matters,” he said. “Families must endure together to build a peaceful and lasting home.”
He added that the project was conceived to provide an alternative form of storytelling for Nigerian Muslims—content that is both entertaining and rooted in Islamic values, while promoting unity across families and communities.
Aliyu also highlighted the inclusiveness of Nollywood, noting that the industry allows for diverse cultural, religious, and language-based expressions. He disclosed that the film, which reportedly cost over ₦5 million to produce, will also premiere in Lagos later in May.
The Director of the movie,Queen Adesewa Oniyide, a familiar face in home movies, especially on cable television, and a chieftain of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, described the film as a timely and impactful production.
She noted that the storyline addressed not only Nigerian realities but also universal challenges faced by families globally. According to her, the film blends education, entertainment, and moral lessons in a way that appeals to a broad audience.
“This is the kind of film people need to see at a time like this,” she said. “It gives hope, encourages patience, and promotes understanding within the family and society.”
Oniyide further explained that working on a religious-themed production differed from conventional filmmaking, citing a more structured and disciplined environment on set. She described the experience as unique and fulfilling, adding that the film stands out for its message and execution.
The film Reviewer Hajiya Salamatu Sule described the production as a “profound and promising debut,” commending its message, performances, and thematic direction.
“This is the first film, so congratulations on that note. The film is a very profound one that teaches lessons,” she said.
She highlighted the symbolic naming of the fictional family in the film, the Wadud family, noting its uniqueness and suggesting deeper meaning behind it. “The Wadud family what does Wadud mean? I know you can answer that later, but I think it’s very unique,” she remarked.
Commending the central message of the film, she added: “Inna ma’al usri yusra surely with every difficulty comes ease and that is what they’ve showcased here.”
She also praised specific scenes and character portrayals, noting the emotional realism of the story. “The mother, not just as Umu Dunia but as the pillar of the family, was very well rendered by the actress. She delivered her role very well,” she said.
On the supporting cast, she added that both adult and child actors performed convincingly. “The kids really delivered their lines. I couldn’t have done what they did, honestly.”
She further suggested that the production format could be developed into a series or sitcom. “I think this film could run as a sitcom, something like a family series people look forward to weekly. You could have episodes like Tawakkul and Al-Ma’na,” she said.
The reviewer also encouraged wider distribution and sponsorship, recommending expansion beyond Abuja. “You can take this around the states… and I think donors can support the Wadud family project,” she added.
Commending the production design, she noted the domestic setting and ambience as realistic and relatable, saying it reflected a typical family environment. She also praised the inclusion of Islamic imagery, particularly the mosque scenes, describing them as important cultural representation.
“Masjid scenes were showcased, and that is our asset. We should continue to project more Islamic edifices,” she said, adding that such storytelling could also be extended to Islamic schools and institutions to further promote faith-based narratives.
She concluded by commending the production team for a “novel and impactful project” with strong potential for growth and wider audience engagement.
Audience members at the premiere commended the initiative, particularly its emphasis on patience and harmony in the home. One attendee, Hajiya Rukayat, said the film reinforced the belief that ease followed hardship and encouraged better relationships within families.
With its strong moral focus and culturally rooted storytelling, Al-Usri Yusra is expected to contribute to the growing demand for faith-based content in Nigeria, while expanding the scope of narratives within the country’s evolving film industry.
