TAGLINE

• “She came to America for love… but found herself fighting for her life.”

• “In the land of freedom, her voice was silenced.”

SYNOPSIS

Shadows of America follows Chinelo, a hopeful young Nigerian woman whose life takes a tragic turn after Tony, an American-based suitor, travels to Nigeria to marry her and bring her to the United States. What begins as a promise of love and opportunity slowly unfolds into a reality filled with emotional manipulation, financial control, and escalating domestic violence.

In America, Chinelo works tirelessly in assisted living and nursing homes, but her husband takes all her earnings and refuses to let her help her sick mother back home. Living under constant fear and the cruelty of her mother-in-law, Chinelo becomes isolated in a land where she has no support system.

At work, her emotional struggles surface — mistakes, suspension, and unexplained bruises. Her coworkers, Vera and Amy, step in, encouraging her to seek help. They introduce her to Ms. Williams, a compassionate counselor who becomes Chinelo’s refuge, guiding her to reclaim her voice and independence.

With newfound courage, Chinelo secretly opens her own bank account, a brave and life-changing step toward freedom. But when Tony discovers this act of independence, his fury erupts. A confrontation spirals out of control, and in a devastating moment, Tony shoots and kills Chinelo, ending her life just as she begins to break free.

Shadows of America exposes the hidden pain many immigrant women face — the silence, cultural barriers, and violence that exist behind closed doors. It is a story of sisterhood, resilience, and the dangerous price of freedom in a world that often refuses to hear women’s cries.

MAIN CHARACTERS

Chinelo — A Nigerian immigrant fighting silently for her freedom and dignity.
Tony — Her husband whose promises turn controlling and abusive.
Ms. Williams — A compassionate counselor who guides and supports Chinelo.
Vera — A loyal coworker who becomes Chinelo’s advocate and friend.
Amy — A supportive coworker who notices Chinelo’s struggles early.

LoLo - Tony;s Mother and Chinelo's mother in-law

 WRITER’S STATEMENT — I Genevieve

“Shadows of America” was born from a place of deep reflection on the hidden battles so many women face, especially those who cross oceans with hope in their hearts.

As the writer, my desire was to tell a story that speaks for the unheard; the women whose tears never make it to the surface, whose struggles are dismissed, and whose strength is often overlooked. Chinelo’s journey reflects the reality of countless immigrant women who enter new countries full of dreams, only to encounter isolation, cultural pressure, and emotional imprisonment behind closed doors.

Writing this film required me to step into those shadows; to listen, observe, and hold space for the pain that is often silenced. I wanted to honor their courage, their resilience, and the quiet power that keeps them fighting even when the world around them offers little support.

Through this story, I hope to awaken conversations, challenge cultural norms, and remind viewers that abuse thrives in silence. Every line, every scene, every moment in this film was written with a commitment to truth, dignity, and advocacy.

My hope is that “Shadows of America” will not only move hearts but also open eyes — inspiring compassion, awareness, and the courage to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

— I Genevieve
Writer • Screenplay • Executive Producer
Shadows of America

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

I. Genevieve Wins “Best Writer – Movie Genre” at the 2025 Afromeric Award of Excellence & Film Festival for Shadows of America

Baltimore, MD — November 15, 2025 — Afromeric Studio proudly announces that I. Genevieve, writer, executive producer, and lead actress of the powerful drama Shadows of America, has been awarded Best Writer – Movie Genre at the prestigious Afromeric Award of Excellence & Film Festival 2025.

The award recognizes exceptional storytelling, emotional depth, and the powerful cultural themes embedded in Shadows of America, a film that sheds light on the hidden struggles of immigrant women facing domestic violence, cultural silence, and identity loss in a foreign land.

Shadows of America tells the heartbreaking journey of Chinelo, a Nigerian woman whose dream of a better life in America turns into a nightmare of control and abuse. Through her writing, I. Genevieve brings attention to the realities that many women endure in silence, blending emotional truth with compelling narrative strength.

“We are honored to see the writing behind Shadows of America receive such recognition,” said representatives of Afromeric Studio. “This story was created to give voice to the voiceless, and this award affirms the importance of bringing these narratives to the forefront.”

The film continues to gain attention for its authenticity, its powerful performances, and its commitment to raising awareness about domestic violence in immigrant communities.

About Afromeric Studio

Afromeric Studio is a rising film production company dedicated to storytelling that inspires, educates, and uplifts diverse voices within the African and African-American diaspora.

Media Contact:

Afromeric Studio
Email: afromericawards@gmail.com
Website:  https://afromericawards.org/.
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