Amanze Chinonye
The Emmy-winning biographical documentary MADU will be screened in Lagos for the first time on Sunday, September 28, at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi.
The 100-minute Disney Original Documentary follows the inspiring journey of 12-year-old Anthony Madu, who leaves his home in Lagos to study at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in England.
Produced in 2021 and officially released in 2024, MADU is co-directed by Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson and Briton Matt Ogens, and produced by Hunting Lane, known for acclaimed films including Wildflower and The Zookeeper’s Wife.
MADU chronicles Anthony’s journey from practising ballet barefoot on the streets of Lagos to performing on an international stage. The film explores themes of resilience, courage, and belonging, showing how Anthony overcomes cultural expectations and personal challenges in pursuit of his dream.
Ballet is rarely seen as a viable path for boys in Nigeria, and Anthony’s story highlights the tension between tradition and individual ambition.
The documentary’s Emmy win for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary at the 2025 News and Documentary Emmy Awards is historic, it marks the first time a Nigerian has won an Emmy in a non-news category.
This recognition demonstrates that Nigeria can produce world-class content capable of competing on a global stage, giving hope and inspiration to young Nigerian artists and filmmakers.
Speaking on the origins of MADU, the directors explained that the story began with a viral video showing Anthony practising ballet in the rain. Producer Jamie Patricof and director Matt Ogens traced him to his home community in Ajangbadi, Lagos, setting the stage for a multi-continent collaboration.
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“Making Anthony’s voice heard is our ultimate goal, and his story is the most captivating, emotional, and inspiring we have ever told,” the directors said.
The documentary has been screened at international festivals, including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, AFI New African Film Festival, and iRepresentation International Film Festival in Lagos.
For audiences in Nigeria, the homecoming screening is a rare chance to witness a story that celebrates Nigerian youth talent, challenges stereotypes, and showcases the country’s creative potential on a global platform.
MADU also offers lessons beyond the arts. Anthony’s journey reflects the power of determination, adaptability, and self-belief, serving as a source of inspiration for Nigerian youth aspiring to break boundaries in any field. By highlighting such a story, the film underscores why investing in talent, culture, and storytelling is vital for national pride, global recognition, and social impact.
Matt Ogens is an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning director, while Kachi Benson is a Venice Lion and Emmy-winning filmmaker, recognized for pioneering Virtual Reality storytelling in Nigeria and Africa.
The Lagos screening of MADU is more than a film event it is a celebration of Nigeria’s creative potential, a milestone for the country’s film industry, and a reminder of the extraordinary talent present among its youth.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
