The Unforgettable: Lionheart(2018)

The Unforgettable: Lionheart(2018)

Lionheart, Genevieve Nnaji‘s directorial debut, is a 2018 Nigerian drama film produced by Chinny Onwugbenu. The project has many globally respected Nigerian actors — Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, and Nkem Owoh. Netflix obtained it on 7 September 2018 —qualifying it as the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria. The film premiered at the  2018 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.

Lionheart was Peter Okoye’s and Chibuzor Azubuike’s (also known as Phyno) acting debut. The film was released worldwide on 4 January 2019 on Netflix.

Facts about Lionheart

• Lionheart was selected as the Nigerian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. 
• It was the first time Nigeria had submitted a film to the Oscars. 
• On 4 November 2019, the Academy disqualified the film, as most of the dialogue is in English, and only about ten minutes of the film is in Igbo.
• The first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria.

Plot

Lionheart tells the story of Adaeze Obiagu (portrayed by Nnaji), who wants to substitute for her father, Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie), when he can no longer run his company due to health issues. Her father, however, asks his brother Godswill (Nkem Owoh) to take his place, and Godswill and Adaeze have to work together to save the company from debt as well as a threatened takeover by businessman Igwe Pascal (Kanayo O. Kanayo).

AFT Administrator