Genevieve Nnaji, one of the biggest actresses in Nollywood [Nigeria’s Movie Industry], is back with her directorial debut called ‘Lionheart‘. The film is set in Southeast Nigeria, it tells the story of a young woman, Adaeze Obiagu [Nnaji], who becomes saddled with the responsibility of running her sick father’s business under the suffocating supervision of an intensely crude and eccentric uncle. “Her competing business instincts and family obligations become a catalyst for drastic change not everyone is ready to embrace,” according to the synopsis. The upcoming movie is written by C.J Fiery Obasi based on a screenplay by Ishaya Bako and Emil Garuba. The film calls on Industry veterans, Chika Okpala, Steve Eboh, Pete Edochie, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Onyeka Onwenu, all giving their best performances.
“Lionheart” is Nnaji’s second movie from her production company, The Entertainment Network (TEN), which was founded by Nnaji in partnership with Chinny Onwugbenu. TEN’s first film ‘Road To Yesterday‘ which was also Nnaji’s debut as a producer in 2015 raked in 30 million Naira in the Nigerian Box Office, according to Pulse Ng.
This cute video of Genevieve Nnaji and Nkem Owoh on set of “Lion Heart” pic.twitter.com/5xc55j4pRg
— Pulse Movies (@PulseMovies247) May 4, 2017
‘Lionheart‘ was selected in this year’s Discovery section of Toronto Intl. Film Festival. Paris-based MPM Premium has picked up the Nigerian film for international sales.
’Lionheart’ is the beginning of a journey to explore and express my creative interpretation of story-telling, particularly African stories. Africa is a possessor of the most compelling stories as yet untold, and we are determined to tell our stories, our way, through our voices, to the world, Nnaji said in a statement:
MPM’s Ricardo Monastier said: “It’s a captivating and humorous movie that not only reveals the talent of Genevieve as a first-time director but also sharply portraits a fast-changing society.”
Watch the trailer below:
