Onye Ozi – First Igbo Language Film To Hit Nigerian Cinemas

“He [Okey Bakassi] was just perfect with the lead character. He made us laugh yet was very professional. Ngozi was incredible, not being a famous face, yet she did a magnificent job.”Obi Emelonye tells reporters in Lagos on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The new film [Onye Ozi] was premiered in London on Oct. 18 and watched in 60 different countries that same day including Saudi Arabia. is hoped to become successfully accepted like, Living in Bondage, the first ever Igbo film in Nigeria to be subtitled in English.

“It’s a nice film which tells a contemporary story of us today,”Obi tells press men in Lagos, “It doesn't restrict its audience and favors no one” he adds.

With the appearance of white men/women speaking the Igbo language in the movie, Obi says, “It was one of the major challenges we had. They [whites] had to study the language as fast as they could and had to sound like they were not amateurs.” Another challenge was getting actors on set on time. “It also wasn't easy getting actors in since most of them work and act at the same time an getting non-famous faces too was a huge risk but we are glad we had had a great result”Obi explains.

is will hit the cinemas in Nigeria on November 22. Watch the trailer