“Lionheart” – The Directorial Debut of Genevieve Nnaji
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Christina Ngene
I am a movie enthusiast with a passion for writing and a desire to see the African movie industries grow. I try to use my skills as an artist to cheer for Nollywood by writing for NollyMania. • Syndicate Correspondent
The phrase “Lionheart Nollywood” has been stealing the world headlines lately. Lionheart is the directorial debut of actress Genevieve Nnaji. It recently secured a place for international sales at the MPM Premium sales company. Ricardo Monastier at MPM Premium Paris stated that the story is captivating and humorous. He also said that Genevieve has revealed how talented she is and that this elevates her as an actress and a first-time director. It featured in the Discovery section of Toronto Intl. Film Festival, where the crew also took part in a Q&A session.
About Lionheart
The movie is set around a young woman, Adaeze Obiagu (Nnaji) from Southeastern Nigeria. She finds herself under the intensive supervision of a timid uncle, having been forced to take responsibility for her sick father’s business. The trailer is accessible here.
From Genevieve to Nollywood
Lionheart is just about the beginning of what Nnaji hopes to accomplish as a movie director, as she has stated that she hopes to explore and interpret African stories in the most creative ways. She believes that Africa has compelling stories that are yet untold. So she wants the untold stories of Africa, to be heard by the world through the African voices.
While speaking to CNN on “LionHeart”, Genevieve Nnaji revealed that the major problem restricting Nollywood movies from gaining global acceptance is language. She claims it is the major barrier preventing Nollywood from going global. That may be indisputable, but the lack of funding she mentioned may be the biggest problem.
From the moment “Lionheart” premiered, it has attracted lots of interest and this gives a good feeling. Also, as a Netflix original, it has put Nollywood in a good place and will lay foundations for what is to come. As a matter of fact, this is a feeling that we want to get used to. That is if Nollywood can get past the challenges that come with producing quality movies.
Africans are able to tell and watch their own stories. The world is also able to understand African culture and how they all connect. All these are possible through the eyes of Nollywood. In other words, the industry is giving Africans something that they can truly call their own. After the release of Lionheart Nollywood will hopefully keep growing in the right direction.
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