Anambra celebrates local drama


By Content Nigeria reporter
November 8, 2017

News
Anyanwu Ututu stars Pete Ediochie

Drama producer Chioma Okoye has premiered her new series, Anyanwu Ututu, at Stanel World Event Centre in Awka, Anambra State, reports Gabriella Opara.

The premiere, which took place on Friday, hosted top government officials including secretary to the state government Professor Solo Chukwulobelu and state commissioner for police Garba Umar. Anambra Broadcasting Service MD and CEO Uche Nworah and Awka Capital Territory Development Authority head Mike Okonkwo also attended.

Based on the culture and traditions of Ndi Igbos, Anyanwu Ututu centres on the lifestyle of the Omambala people in the riverine areas of Anambra. Okoye’s Purple Ribbon Entertainment produced the series.

Starring veteran actor Pete Ediochie in the lead role, it tells the story of love triumphing above all odds as main characters Nwugo and Ikedinobi overcome a decades-long family enmity to be together.

Okoye said she hoped Anyanwu Ututu would change perceptions of filmmaking in the South East, adding that she was keen to inform the world about her culture and traditions from a positive viewpoint.

Claiming that there is too much focus on English-language movies made in Nigeria, Okoye also said she wanted to bring people back to their roots by producing content focused on the story of her state.

The producer added that she would like to “bridge that gap of the cultures of our people, starting with Anambra. We also intend to cover other parts of the region to highlight our rich cultural heritage.”

The production process provided jobs for many of the unemployed youths in the communities where the series was shot. Since the show centres on the life of the Omambala people, most of the cast are from the town.

Anyanwu Ututu director Chidi Chiama said: “This is an inspiration of a good daughter of Anambra State who is determined to change the face of the movie industry in the region. Due to a lack of activity on the local channels, everybody tunes to foreign cable channels.”

The show will air on state-owned TV stations in the region.