Genevieve Nnaji has been a prominent fixture in the Nigerian film industry for over 20 years, primarily as an actor. Her contributions to filmmaking have received several awards and nominations over the course of her career. In recent years, she has moved into film production, acting as writer, financier, and producer through her production company, The Entertainment Network (T.E.N). “Lionheart” is her directorial debut.

“Lionheart” will begin screening at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival on September 8.

W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.

GN: “Lionheart” is an inspiring drama about family values, succession, and most importantly, female empowerment. It highlights the various challenges faced by women, particularly in male-dominated industries.

W&H: What drew you to this story?

GN: The message and the environment which forces a heroine to shoulder the load. Questions of succession, gender roles, and traditional versus modern ideals surround the story. Plus, that it was rooted in African culture which made it even more fascinating. So, drawing inspiration from a close friend and family run businesses in Nigeria, “Lionheart” was created.

W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?

GN: I want people to reflect on the endless possibilities of growth and success that come with men and women, the old and the young, working together: a world where insecurities are tackled and equality is encouraged. We need to be more open and accepting of competition instead of feeling threatened by it.

W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?

GN: It was very difficult playing both roles of director and lead actor. Fortunately, I was surrounded by a very efficient and effective crew. With their help, plus adrenaline and sheer determination, we were able to make a movie.

W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.

GN: The Entertainment Network (T.E.N.) is a production company I own with my business partner Chinny Onwugbenu and a few silent partners. We also previously self-funded our first feature, Ishaya Bako’s “Road To Yesterday.” The goal is to collaborate and partner with other production companies or like-minded partners committed to telling African stories in the manner in which they should be told. I hope we find the right fit in the coming future.

W&H: What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

GN: I’ve always had a hunger for visual storytelling. There is so much material out there that is still untold — countless real-life stories from within and outside Africa, and today, we have the chance to tell it ourselves. My hope is that Africans will have adequate representation globally, and be given a seat at the table in big studio productions as we continue to grow and improve from within the continent.

I also believe that my generation of women need to continue to work at paving a path better than the one that exists today for the future generation of women in film.

W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?

GN: Best advice: “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans.”

Worst advice: “Stay in your lane.”

W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?

GN: I don’t consider myself qualified enough yet to give advice, to be honest, and so I say this to my peers as I say to myself daily: eliminate fear and self-doubt.

W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.

GN: Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman.” It was powerful and strong, and at the same time, feminine and sexy.

I’m a proud feminist who embraces her femininity. I feel sometimes women are made to feel self-conscious and ashamed of their womanhood. Perhaps like “Wonder Woman,” we may wake up one day to discover that it is our superpower, and then we would be unstoppable.

W&H: Hollywood and the global film industry are in the midst of undergoing a major transformation. What differences have you noticed since the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements launched?

GN: How quickly the oppressed have risen to the top, and yet the train has not stopped. If anything, they continue to create amazing content.

History has shown that in almost every situation where a group of people or a demographic is being oppressed, it’s usually because the oppressors are threatened by the potential of the oppressed to be great. I’m happy women all over the world are discovering their superpower and turning “why me?” into “not me.”

Source: https://womenandhollywood.com/tiff-2018-women-directors-meet-genevieve-nnaji-lionheart/

This is what a failed marriage plan can cause.
She has found solitude in the famous lesbian "scissors" skill...
Most Nigerian "feminists" don't even know what that word truly means and the attributions to it.

Radarada

Okay!

Most of us(Men) are highly in support of gender equality but...
If you must be a feminist please be independent.


Don't be forming feminist online while you're broke in real life, begging guys to subscribe your phone for you so that you'll use it to login your web accounts to make noise.

We are all feminists

Even me

Who cares

Jesuuuu....

Genievive campaign don win...

Nl guys, e don set and red for una..

Na market I dey here ooo...

My market dey my siggy go enjoy

As an excuse for her life circumstances?

Humm

That's the motto surname of every single ladies or baby mama's.

Once dem jam one dangote or otedola with better JoyStk, them go quickly change their status

One former Feminist is in Atlanta now trying to De-feminist herself..

There is no true feminist in Nigeria.

Na frustration dey cause our ladies' feminism here in Nigeria.


If you know you know.

And so?

Liar, after one child.

I don't think gender equality needs any tag...

Idiot, such a fool

Lol

i have never been her fan and never will be. i met her a few times and she is always sad. you can tell she is not a happy woman. well, i dont blame her. after dbanj and atiku and 3 very close friends of mine don knack am left right center, and dumb am, not adding the ones we do not know. why wont she turn feminist. i feel they left her because of stanking kpekus. it is just my opinion o. i never said that is why they dumped her o. i saiD i THINK. . COS A GIRL THAT HAD A DAUGHTER AT 14 IS A CONFIRM OLOSHO. no man wants a retired olosho. i also think she has a loosed kpekus. i said i think o. i dodnt not say she has a loosed kpekus o
i know i have scattered a table. watch the poor ugly feminist that will be fucking upandan come for me

Lol...madam, yhu jux defected

Congrats.

Therefore, you're an atheist

I don hear.

Every nkechi and salamatu forming feminist up and down...

All these actresses we know it was a small god somewhere kickstarted their large stupendous wealth they flaunt and still mock the population with their feminism quotes.

Those that don't have anything to even offer a man will be running about campaigning for feminist..
Even this use and dump too is talking..

That's why it's will be difficult for some rich ladies to stay in marriage for long,they want to be in control..
No man in his right senses will allow that even you're richer than him.

And for those single Nairaland ladies if you like follow her footstep,you are on your own..
Na aunty go be your surname.

Most Nigerian ladies don't know jack about what Feminism is really about. Some of them can't even spell it correctly.

The other day one wrote " I have always being a femynist "

Sarkin:
This is what a failed marriage plan can cause.
She has found solitude in the famous lesbian "scissors" skill...
Most Nigerian "feminists" don't even know what that word truly means and the attributions to it.

yea and the fact she had a daughter at 14..All of this mught be contributing factors..My opinion though..Let everyone paddle his own canoe jare..

after all the politicians have passed you round, and no husband you are now claiming feminist.