Originally Published by AT&T.
Vertical Entertainment has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to NIGERIAN PRINCE, the first winning film from AT&T Presents: Untold Stories created by AT&T and Tribeca. The Untold Stories initiative, a multi-tier alliance between AT&T, Tribeca and the Tribeca Film Institute that supports underrepresented filmmakers, awarded director Faraday Okoro $1 million in April 2017 to produce his feature film with mentorship from the Tribeca Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Institute.
NIGERIAN PRINCE made its worldwide premiere in April at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. It was shot on location in Lagos and finished in less than 12 months. The film marks writer and director Faraday Okoro’s feature debut and stars breakout newcomers, Chinaza Uche and Antonio Bell. Vertical plans a fall 2018 theatrical release in multiple U.S. markets, including New York and Los Angeles. The film will also be released via national VOD outlets, as well as on additional platforms, including DIRECTV and U-verse.
“We are beyond excited to be partnering with AT&T and Tribeca to bring an important new voice and perspective to wide audiences,” said Rich Goldberg. “Faraday Okoro’s film shines a light on a unique fish-out-of-water journey and we can’t wait for people to experience it.”
“Unveiling this story to the world is so gratifying for the entire cast and crew of NIGERIAN PRINCE,” said Faraday Okoro, writer and director of the film. “After winning AT&T Presents: Untold Stories last year, the team worked tirelessly to finish the film, but the hard work has all been worth it. I’m proud to work with Vertical Entertainment and to continue the partnership with AT&T and Tribeca to bring this film to more people.”
The deal was negotiated by Rich Goldberg and Peter Jarowey at Vertical and Janice Keane on behalf of AT&T.
NIGERIAN PRINCE is about a Nigerian-American teenager who is sent to Nigeria against his will and joins forces with an internet scammer in order to return to the United States. The film was directed by Faraday Okoro; written by Faraday Okoro and Andrew Long; produced by Oscar Hernandez, Bose Oshin, and Faraday Okoro; executive produced by Spike Lee and Biyi Bandele; co-produced by Andrew Long; with cinematography by Sheldon Chau, editing by Kristan Sprague, and music by Eric V. Hachikian and Peter Nashel.
NIGERIAN PRINCE was selected as the first winning film of AT&T Presents: Untold Stories.
The Untold Stories film initiative was created by AT&T and Tribeca to support filmmakers in historically underrepresented communities, such as those from diverse segments, including women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, African-American, Asian and Hispanic groups.
