Diaspora filmmaker plans epic on Biafra

American-based Nigeria filmmaker, Odera Ozoka, has commenced work on a war epic titled ‘Biafra: A Forgotten Place.’ The African Movie Academy Award-winning director, who is in Nigeria for the production of the film, said he was excited to begin pre-production work on the piece. “It is a big project and nothing of this magnitude has […]

American-based Nigeria filmmaker, Odera Ozoka, has commenced work on a war epic titled ‘Biafra: A Forgotten Place.’
The African Movie Academy Award-winning director, who is in Nigeria for the production of the film, said he was excited to begin pre-production work on the piece.
“It is a big project and nothing of this magnitude has been done before, so there is a certain pressure. But a sweet one,” Ozoka said.
Asked if it is similar to Biyi Bandele’s ‘Half of a yellow sun’ which starred British Nigerian actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, and Genevieve Nnaji, Ozoka said:  “Firstly any movie on Biafra is welcome because our stories should always be told and retold. It is how we learn from the mistakes of past. ‘Half of a yellow sun’ is different from my movie. While that one is a love story, mine is that of survival.”
He said while nationwide casting dates have not been announced, all interested parties will be able to get information on the  film’s website, adding that he is stuck because there are several people with  talents across Nigeria and he wishes to see them all if possible.