LADY

United Kingdom/Nigeria202693 minEnglish, Nigerian Pidgin

In the sprawling African metropolis of Lagos, a fiercely independent young cab driver meets a band of radiantly reckless sex workers whose sisterhood pulls her into danger and joy, setting her on a journey toward her own transformation.

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Lady is a strong woman in a man’s world. A taxi driver on today’s streets of Lagos, Lady makes enough money to care for herself and her grandmother while most Nigerians must choose between breakfast and lunch. When her oil-producing motherland eliminates fuel subsidies for its citizens, Lady’s childhood friend, Pinky, propositions her to join ranks with her boss who is looking for a night driver for his ladies. Director Olive Nwosu’s exciting debut feature pulses with the potent energies and complex realities in Lagos. LADY radiates the love and dreams between people, the choices made to forge pathways for living through debilitating circumstances and intergenerational traumas, and the sea change of a new generation, rising to DJ Revolution’s call to decolonize their minds and take back their lives. — SF

This film contains strobe effects.

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1).

World Cinema Dramatic CompetitionAll FeaturesBIPOC StoriesFirst-Time FeaturesInternationalNon-English LanguageWomen-Centered StoriesDramaFictionAudio DescriptionEnglish SDH SubtitlesEnglish SubtitlesPhotosensitivityU.S. Only- less

Credits

Director(s)
Olive Nwosu
Screenwriter
Olive Nwosu
Producers
Alex Polunin
John Giwa-Amu
Stella Nwimo
Co-Producers
Tokunboh Sangodoyin
Jamiu Shoyode
Director of Photography
Alana Mejia Gonzalez
Editors
Colin Monie
Gareth C Scales
Casting Director
Sukanmi Sukki
Location Manager
Imole Kehinde
Production Design
Richard Evans
Costume Designer
Pat Adaeze
Composer
Ollie Mayo
Principal Cast
Jessica Gabriel’s Ujah
Amanda Oruh
Tinuade Jemiseye
Binta Ayo Mogaji
Seun Kuti
Bucci Franklin
Additional Cast
Eva Ibiam
Precious Agu Eke
Fadesaye Olateru-Olagbegi
Agu Ghineye Esthyraph

Company
HanWay Films
Website
www.hanwayfilms.com
Contact
Gabrielle Stewart
info@hanwayfilms.com
02072900750

Meet the Artist

Olive Nwosu

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, London-based filmmaker Olive Nwosu is an award-winning screenwriter and director. She wrote and directed two acclaimed shorts: 2019’s Troublemaker, the first Igbo-language film on the Criterion Channel; and 2021’s Egúngún (Masquerade), which premiered at TIFF and screened at the Sundance Film Festival, winning multiple international awards. LADY is her feature debut.

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Episodic