The Story ⚡
Disney’s Original Documentary Madu Chronicles the Journey of Nigerian Ballet Dancer, Premiering March 20th on Disney Plus
Tell Me More
Madu chronicles the remarkable journey of 12-year-old Anthony Madu, who leaves his Nigerian home to pursue ballet studies in England, immersing himself in a world of new opportunities and challenges.
Directed by Oscar nominee Matt Ogens and Kachi Benson, and produced by Jamie Patricof, Katie McNeill, and Rachel Halilej, the documentary unveils Anthony’s pursuit of his dreams amidst cultural and personal struggles. The documentary premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, 2024.”Madu” offers a poignant narrative of resilience and determination, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Key Background
Matthew Ogens is a dynamic American filmmaker, photographer, and artist renowned for his influential contributions to documentaries and narrative films. His Netflix documentary short Audible received critical acclaim and earned an Academy Award nomination in 2021.
Ogens has helmed and produced several notable projects, including the feature documentary “Confessions of a Superhero” and the narrative film Go North. With a diverse portfolio, he has also created compelling television segments for CNN Heroes Awards Show and Stand Up 2 Cancer, highlighting his storytelling versatility. Ogens continues to explore a range of subjects, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to crafting engaging narratives across various mediums.
Joel Kachi Benson is a prominent Nigerian documentary filmmaker and virtual reality content creator celebrated for his impactful storytelling. He garnered widespread recognition for his production of Daughters of Chibok, a virtual reality film shedding light on the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping in 2019. Benson serves as the Creative Director of VR360 Stories, a virtual reality film studio based in Lagos, Nigeria, underscoring his dedication to innovative storytelling in immersive formats.
Tangent
The absence of Disney+ in Nigeria poses a significant barrier to accessing culturally relevant content, especially with the platform featuring Nigerian stories like Madu and Iwaju. Without access to Disney+, Nigerians miss out on experiencing these narratives firsthand, limiting opportunities for cultural exchange and depriving local audiences of diverse storytelling.
Moreover, the lack of official access may inadvertently lead to increased piracy of such content. Therefore, the need for Disney+ to be available in Nigeria is not just about entertainment but also about ensuring equitable access to narratives that reflect and celebrate Nigerian culture, fostering a sense of pride and connection among audiences while mitigating piracy risks.
In Summary
Disney+ is set to release the documentary on March 29, 2024, inviting viewers to witness Anthony’s inspiring journey unfold onscreen.
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