Lionheart

Lionheart is a 2018 Nigerian drama film produced by Chinny Onwugbenu and directed by Genevieve Nnaji. It stars Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, and Nkem Owoh. It was acquired by Netflix on 7 September 2018, making it the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria. Lionheart premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. The movie was Nnaji's directorial debut as well as Peter Okoye's and Chibuzor Azubuike's (also known as Phyno) acting debut. The film was released worldwide on 4 January 2019 on Netflix. Lionheart was selected as the Nigerian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. It was the first time that Nigeria had submitted a film to the Oscars. On 4 November 2019, the Academy disqualified the film as the majority of the dialogue is in English and only about ten minutes of the film is in Igbo. Plot Lionheart tells the story of Adaeze Obiagu, who wants to substitute for her father, Chief Ernest Obiagu, when he can no longer run his company due to health issues. Her father, however, asks his brother Godswill to take his place, and Godswill and Adaeze have to work together to save the company from debt as well as a threatened takeover by businessman Igwe Pascal. Cast Genevieve Nnaji as Adaeze Obiagu, daughter of Chief Ernest Obiagu; Director of Logistics and Operations at the Lionheart company. Nkem Owoh as Chief Godswill Obiagu, younger brother to Chief Ernest Obiagu; new head of the Lionheart company. He is also the Managing Director of the Owerri headquarters of the company. Pete Edochie as Chief Ernest Obiagu, owner of Lionheart company and father to Adaeze & Obiora; husband to Abigail Obiagu. Onyeka Onwenu as Abigail Obiagu, mother of Adaeze and Obiora, wife of Chief Ernest Obiagu Kanayo O. Kanayo as Igwe Pascal, owner of IG Motors, who wants to buy Lionheart company Kalu Ikeagwu as Samuel Akah, director of Engineering Services at Lionheart company, who connives with Igwe Pascal to take over the company. Jemima Osunde as Onyinye, personal assistant to Adaeze Obiagu Sani Muazu as Alhaji Danladi Maikano Chibuzor Azubuike (also known as Phyno) as Obiora Obiagu, brother to Adaeze Obiagu; up-and-coming musician. Ngozi Ezeonu as Chioma Obiagu, wife of Godswill Obiagu Yakubu Mohammed as Hamza Maikano Peter Okoye as Arinze Chika Okpala as member of the board of directors of Lionheart