Nigerian filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri are turning heads worldwide with their latest project, Clarissa, a bold, contemporary reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s 1925 classic Mrs Dalloway.
Transporting the story from post‑World War I London to the vibrant streets of Lagos and the serene landscapes of Delta State, the film reinterprets Woolf’s introspective narrative through a distinctly Nigerian lens.
At the heart of the story is Clarissa (Sophie Okonedo), a Lagos socialite preparing for an evening gathering that becomes an emotional journey. As she navigates reunions, old regrets, and unspoken longings, the film explores themes of love, identity, memory, and the roads not taken — echoing Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness style while infusing it with local texture and modern relevance.
Shot entirely on 35mm film, Clarissa captures the rhythm of Lagos life and the quiet beauty of the Delta, creating a visual tapestry that blends urban energy, coastal serenity, and human intimacy.
The film boasts an impressive international and Nigerian cast, including Britain’s David Oyelowo, Ayo Edebiri, India Amarteifio, and Toheeb Jimoh, alongside Nigerian veterans Joke Silva, Chigul, Chuks Joseph, and Ego Boyo, merging global reach with authentic local storytelling.
American indie studio Neon, known for hits like Parasite and Triangle of Sadness, has secured worldwide distribution rights, with plans for a U.S. theatrical release and global sales through Neon International, signaling the film’s international ambitions.
The project is backed in part by Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, demonstrating growing institutional support for African cinema that can compete on a global stage.
Following the Esiri brothers’ critically acclaimed debut, Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) — which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and garnered international praise — Clarissa promises a striking blend of classic literature, African storytelling, and cinematic innovation, positioning the filmmakers at the forefront of globally resonant African cinema.
