Sharon Rotimi Takes the Lead in “The Artifact: Stones of Fatima” – A New Adventure Set to Redefine Nollywood

Sharon Rotimi, one of Nollywood’s rising stars, is stepping into the spotlight in a way that few have dared. She is set to co-lead The Artifact: Stones of Fatima, an adventure thriller that aims to push the boundaries of Nigerian storytelling. The film, which is slated for release on March 21, 2025, has already created a buzz after its debut at the 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

This isn’t just another Nollywood production with grand ambitions. The movie spans seven Nigerian states, including Lagos, Osun, and Abuja, capturing landscapes rarely explored in local cinema. The story follows a team of archaeologists and historians on a high-stakes mission to uncover ancient relics linked to Nigeria’s pre-colonial past. Unlike many adventure films produced in Africa, The Artifact: Stones of Fatima is not just about the treasure hunt—it is an intricate blend of history, mysticism, and action, wrapped in a modern-day narrative.

Rotimi, known for her versatility, delivers a performance that could solidify her as one of Nollywood’s leading actresses. Insiders reveal that she underwent months of training for her physically demanding role, including combat sequences and stunt work—a rarity in an industry where action films often lean on exaggerated sound effects rather than real, choreographed sequences.

The director, Emmanuel Adeyemi, has described the film as a “cinematic experiment” designed to challenge the perception of Nollywood as a purely drama-driven industry. The production team’s decision to shoot in multiple locations rather than relying on green screens is a bold move that enhances the film’s authenticity. It’s a step towards putting Nigeria’s adventure genre on the global map, potentially shifting Nollywood’s focus towards high-budget, action-packed storytelling.

With March 21 approaching, expectations are high. If The Artifact: Stones of Fatima delivers on its promise, it could mark the beginning of a new Nollywood era—one that doesn’t just tell stories but immerses audiences in them.