Nigerian Filmmaker Editi Effiong Set To Direct Movie Project With NBA Star Joel Embiid

Nigerian filmmaker Editi Effiong, known for his work on The Black Book on Netflix, has signed on to direct a new feature film titled Backline, centred around African athletes striving to enter professional American football. The project collaborates with NBA star Joel Embiid’s production company, Miniature Géant, and LeBron James’ athlete empowerment brand, Uninterrupted.

Backline will tell the story of two Nigerian friends pursuing their dream of playing in the NFL, drawing inspiration from real-life experiences of current athletes. Production is scheduled to begin in 2025, with filming in Nigeria and the U.S.

Effiong and Anakle Films, along with two-time Superbowl champion Osi Umenyiora, will serve as executive producers. In an exclusive interview with Variety Magazine, the filmmaker expressed his enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a tale of hope and friendship.

Backline’ is a story about the undefeatable strength of the human spirit, of hope, of friendship, and a drive to rise above one’s difficulties. From the moment I spoke to the young athletes who made the journey to play football in the U.S., telling this story has been a sweet obsession, Effiong told Variety.

This collaboration marks a significant moment in African cinema, with Effiong expressing excitement about working with Embiid and Uninterrupted to bring this inspiring story to a global audience.

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