Mami Wata, C.J Obasi’s movie selected for 2023 Sundance Film Festival

C.J Obasi’s movie, Mami Wata has selected for the 2023 edition of the Sundance Film Festival.

The event is an annual film festival organised by the Sundance Institute and dubbed the largest independent film festival in the United States.

It brings together storytellers, documentaries, short films, episodic storytelling, lively filmmaker conversations, and panel discussions.

Next year’s edition of the festival is scheduled to hold in Salt Lake City, Utah in the United States from January 19 to 29.

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“12 narrative feature films from emerging talent around the world offer fresh perspectives and inventive styles,” a statement on its website read.

Directed by CJ Obasi, produced by Oge Obasi, and distributed by Film One, Mami Wata is the story of two sisters who, when their village is threatened, must fight to save their people, and restore the glory of a mermaid goddess to the land.

Reacting to news of the selection and Sundance’s announcement, leading production and distribution company, Film One Distribution, distributors of the film, expressed their excitement and declared it a boost for the Nigerian film industry.

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“This is really a big deal for us,” said the company’s co-founders, Moses Babatope and Kene Okwuosa in a statement.

“We had a good feeling about this film and believed in Obasi’s exceptional talent as a director, and while we have looked forward to this selection, it is still very gratifying to know we are supporting the very best coming out of Nigeria.”

Elated CJ and Oge Obasi said that they are thrilled to be selected for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

“We are so very thrilled about this selection. It is such a great honour and honestly, it feels surreal. You put in the work and hope for the best, and then when recognition comes, it is both remarkable and very fulfilling. It is also a challenge to keep raising the bar and inspiring others to do the same.”