Life is Not Greener on the Other Side! All You Need to Know about Obi Emelonye’s Igbo Language Film “Onye Ozi” starring Okey Bakassi & Rising British Stars

This is going to be one of the biggest movies of 2013.

Onye Ozi, is a first-of-its-kind Nigerian language film; set in London, performed exclusively in the Igbo language (by Nigerian and British actors) and subtitled in English. Ace comedian/Nollywood actor Okey Bakassi plays the lead.

The film introduces screen newcomer, model turned actress Ngozi Thompson Igwebike in a leading role, with other new actors including British lawyer turned actor Stephen Moriaty filling other roles in a film that is considered a surprising follow up to Obi Emelonye’s hugely successful 2012 blockbuster, Last Flight to Abuja.

Despite the film having a micro budget, Emelonye sees this as an important film that makes his mother tongue “Igbo” the star attraction. In his own words “Onye Ozi is my humble attempt to contribute my little quota to the preservation of the Igbo language and to take Nollywood back to its roots”.

Synopsis

Onye Ozi tells the story of Metumaribe (Okey Bakassi) fresh into London with high expectations and a two-year plan to return to Nigeria a rich man. However, life in London with his new ‘wife’ Mkpurunma (Ngozi Igwebike) is not going to plan.

On one fateful night, TJ an old English man (Stephen Moriaty) is chased by masked men and shot in front of his eyes. As Metu attempts to help the dying man, he hands Metu an envelope and whispers a message as he takes his last breath. From that point on, Metu becomes involved in a psychological but hilarious adventure that will change his life and the lives of those around him forever.

Watch the Official Trailer

Obi Emelonye on the movie
“After the many successes of Last Flight to Abuja and The Mirror Boy, I felt that the timewas right for me to do what I have been holding back for many years – to make a personal but important film that makes my mother tongue “Igbo” the star attraction.

The origins of Nollywood can be traced back to Living in Bondage, an Igbo film subtitled in English. However, as the industry has evolved, films in other major Nigerian languages have made significant strides and Igbo language films have become an endangered species. Onye Ozi (The Messenger) is my humble attempt to contribute my little quota to the preservation of the Igbo language and to take Nollywood back to its roots.

It is a micro budget film and not one of the films for world domination. However, you can never tell. As my French producer friend once said, “you have to be local, to be global”.

Behind the Scenes Photos

Cast & Crew

• Obi Emelonye (Director)
• Emmanuella Ngozi Ideh (Producer)
• Okey Bakassi (Actor/Comedian)
• Ngozi Thompson Igwebike (Former modelturned actress)
• Stephen Moriaty (British lawyer turned actor)

Onye Ozi (The Messenger) World Premiere Details
The red carpet will kick off at 6:30 PM and  end at 8:30 PM. The evening’s entertainment commences at 7 PM with a red carpet reception with interviews, presentations, short films and an exclusive stand up comedy show by Okey Bakassi all attended by many top UK based African film, television and music stars as well as top personalities in the world of fashion, media, sports and politics. The event will conclude with a Q&A with the stars.
Date: Friday 18th October 2013
Time: 6: 30 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue: The Lighthouse (Camberwell), RCCG House of Praise, London, UK
Ticket Prices: Standard £20 | Children £14 at www.onyeozi.eventbrite.com
Contact: For more info and general enquiries, send an e-mail [email protected]