Nollywood meets African literature once again as it makes Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s 2009 debut book, “I Do Come To You By Chance” into a movie.
This is all we know about the film adaptation.
When did the news break
Akoroko, an African cinema coverage company, made the announcement vis Twitter on August 10th, 2023.
First film adaptation of a Nigerian book since “Elesin Oba”
Nollywood’s adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s “Death and the King’s Horseman” went to cinemas in 2022. If this film could just match the book’s quality, we’re sure of another banger loading.
(Suckerforcoffee)
An internet scam story
“I Do Not Come To You By Chance” is about a graduate who becomes a breadwinner after his father’s demise. He has to choose between his morals and poverty or following in his uncle’s fraudulent footsteps. Decisions, decisions.
The same title
The movie will retain the book title. But we hope the film won’t leave us wondering if the movie director read the same “I Do Not Come To You By Chance” as the rest of us.
Genevieve’s back
The last time we saw Genevieve Nnaji on screen was in Lionheart, her directorial debut that ended up being nominated for the 2020 Oscars. You know it’s not regular when the Nollywood queen steps out. She executive produced I Do Not Come To You By Chance alongside Chinny Carter. Oscars, here we come.
The hands behind the camera
Femi Awojide (Dazzling Mirage, Sugar Rush, Juju Stories) is set to handle the movie’s direction of photography, while Ishaya Bako (Lionheart, 4th Republic, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel) will direct it. We’ll eat good.
Faces you’ll see in the film
The film features Jennifer Eliogu, Beverly Osu and Paul Nnadiekwe, with Blossom Chukwujekwu in an important supporting roles as Cash Daddy, a successful scammer.
It’s bilingual
Unlike in the book, the characters will speak mostly Igbo peppered with some English. Take it as an opportunity for you to learn some Igbo to impress your friends from the East.
World premiere
Alongside eight other African titles, the film will make its first public display at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7, 2023. Another Nollywood picture set to make waves abroad.
