3 films of Nigerian descent to premiere at Sundance 2019

Sundance film festival showcases new films from new and established filmmakers from around the world. This year, 3 movies from directors with Nigerian descent will join a host of other movies that will be premiered from January 24 – February 3, 2019 at Park City, Utah, United States.

This year festival is diverse as it features numerous films from women, blacks and the LGBTQ. 40% of the films selected were directed by women, 36% of the films directed are black and 13% are people who identify as LGBTQ.

1. Julius Onah’s Luce

Directed by Julius Onah, Luce follows a married couple forced to reckon with their son who was adopted from war-torn Eritrea. The movie stars Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Tim Roth.

2. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s directorial debut. The movie is based on the bestselling book by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, tells the story of a 13 year old boy who invents an unconventional way to save his village from famine in Malawi. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Lily Banda, Noma Dumezweni, and Aissa Maiga.

3. Chinonye Chukwu’s Clemency

Clemency follows a prison warden who confronts her demons, and develops an emotional connection with inmates on the death row she is scheduled to execute. The movie stars Alfre Woodard, Aldis Hodge, Richard Schiff, Wendell Pierce, Richard Gunn and Danielle Brooks.