When we last heard from veteran Hollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, she had just made her directorial debut with ‘Lionheart’ in 2018. The filmmaker also doubled as the production’s lead protagonist in her portrayal of Adaeze Obiagu, who runs into challenges in taking over her father’s company when he begins falling ill. The film made history in Nigeria’s film industry as the first production created in collaboration with the visual streaming giant Netflix, paving the way for newly minted classics such as ‘King of Boys: The Return of the King.’ However, since the film was disqualified from the running for submissions the 2020 Academy Award, little has been heard from Nnaji, until now.

(2/4) – “I Do Not Come To You By Chance” by Ishaya Bako, Nigeria (World Premiere). An adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s novel of the same name.

– Starring newcomer Paul Nnadiekwe and veteran Blossom Chukwujekwu.

– Executive produced by Genevieve Nnaji and Chinny Carter. pic.twitter.com/wiL8pGSeyE

— Akoroko — African Cinema Now! (@akorokoafrica) August 10, 2023

After over a decade, Genevieve is set to return to the big screens in the film adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s critically acclaimed novel, I Do Not Come To You By Chance. The 2009 novel offers a fresh take on the common Nollywood theme of a young man who would go to daring lengths to ensure he uproots his family from abject poverty. The story pays laser focus on an Igbo family, seamlessly blending the language with English in captivating portrayals of Eastern Nigerian culture.

It will explore the domination of online and email scams as a means of livelihood, with subtle underpinnings of the wealth, vanity and class struggle in Nigeria. The film adaptation sees Nnaji in the capacity of the executive producer, alongside Chinny Carter as co-executive producer, Ishaya Bello as director and, Blossom Ckuwujekwu and Paul Nnadiekwe as lead performers. Though Nnaji’s on-screen appearance status is presently unclear, other supporting acts include Beverly Osu, Sambasa Nberibe and Jennifer Ejiogu. Femi Awojide, with directorial of Director of Production credits in ‘Lionheart’ and ‘Juju Stories’ respectively is also slated to work on the film.

I Do Not Come To You By Chance will make an international debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), under the Centrepiece programme on September 7, 2023.

Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE