With Difficulty Comes Ease

Set in the conservative and deeply cultural backdrop of Northern Nigeria, the film tells the story of Zainab, a 30-year-old woman who becomes a widow shortly after finally conceiving her first child, following six years of infertility. During the Islamic mourning period known as Iddah, Zainab is confronted with financial hardship, community judgment, and pressure from her strict mother-in-law. Amid her struggles, she meets Rayyan, a warm and empathetic bank officer who helps her rediscover her passion for fashion and her strength. As their friendship deepens, Zainab begins to reimagine a future for herself, filled with purpose and hope.^[5]

• Uzoamaka Aniunoh as Zainab
• Caleb Richards as Rayyan
• Ummi Baba-Ahmed as Hajiya
• Michelle Dede as Nene
• Magaji Mijinyawa as Alhaji Danjuma
• Gloria Johnson as Maman Hadiza

The film was noted for its sensitive depiction of grief, faith, cultural expectations, and emotional depth. It also depicts Northern Nigerian culture and the exploration of womanhood within a patriarchal society.^{[6][7][5][8][9]}

The film won Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, and the Jury Cheese Prize at The Annual Film Mischief 2024.^[10]