[ Genevieve NNAAJI ]
M
Lion Heart Makes Her $3.8 million Rich
ovies – motion pictures – very
lucrative venture. Well that
is so when the paid checks
are huge. But what contrib-
utes to a hefty pay check? Is
it the storyline? Producer? Cast or cinema-
tography? Not every movie gets a good pay
check unless it has won the hearts of many.
Lion Heart is that movie. Directed and pro-
duced by one of the finest movie icons to
come from Africa, Genevieve Nnaaji.
Once a household, Genevieve Nnaji has
risen through the ranks to make a name for
her and country. She has featured in several
movies both in Nigeria and across the global.
Thus it is not surprising that online TV com-
pany Netflix decided to buy her debut direct-
ed movie, Lion Heart for $3.8 million; making
it the first original Nigerian movie distribut-
ed exclusively on the global streaming giant
Netflix. Nnaji says the idea of Lionheart
came from her “desire and hunger to shed
light, and to speak the truth of what it’s like
18 | Colossium . March 2019
to be a young [woman] trying to make it in a
world that is dominated by men.”
Lion Heart is a movie which features herself
and a host of other ace actors from Nigeria
including Pete Edochie, Kanayo O. Kanayo,
Onyeka Onwenu, Kalu Ikeagwu and Nkem
Owoh. The movie is about a girl who was put
in the position to run her father’s transport
business after he’s forced to step aside due to
health issues; an obviously male dominated
industry. She goes through it all to ensure
that her father’s legacy does not turn to dust.
She adds that ”it was equally important to me
that the movie was light-hearted and warm,
so the environment in which it was told was
crucial as well.”
Genevieve Nnaji has the heart of a lioness.
She has made a great name for herself and
the continent as well. She has also increased
her bank balance. She is an example for all
women on the continent to emulate.
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