Nollywood feature film Mami Wata, directed by Nigeria’s CJ Obasi, has been acquired by US-based film and soundtrack distributor Dekanalog.
Based on West African mermaid folklore, the film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It will be distributed in North America this fall.
Mami Wata is set in the remote West African village of Iyi. It follows Mama Efe (played by Rita Edochie), who acts as an intermediary between the people and the all-powerful water deity Mami Wata.
Obasi said: “I’m super excited that Mami Wata will be distributed in North America by Dekanalog, a company with a true heart and soul for a new kind of cinema. I’m amped to see how the audience receives our vision and labor of love.”
Dekanalog co-founder Lysa Le added: “Releasing a film like this is such a special opportunity, and we are honoured to be sharing this incredible piece of modern Nigerian cinema with North America. Dekanalog cannot wait for audiences to be hypnotised by this extraordinary picture,”
The film’s cast also includes Evelyne Ily Juhen, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Kelechi Udegbe, Emeka Amakeze and Tough Bone.