Trending Now - Sophie Okonedo Celebrates 'clarissa' Premiere at Cannes, Eyes Global Reach for African Cinema
WHO:
Deadline - Sophie Okonedo, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her role in "Hotel Rwanda," stars as the title character in "Clarissa."
Variety - Osahon Akpata is the CEO of CANEX Creations.
WHAT:
Deadline - "Clarissa" received a hearty standing ovation following its debut screening at Cannes.
The Guardian - "Clarissa" is described as a "seductively mysterious, languorous, melancholy drama" that explores themes of life choices and the consequences of marrying the wrong person.
The Guardian - The film features a character named Septimus, a troubled soldier affected by PTSD, whose story intersects with Clarissa's life.
Deadline - "Clarissa" is an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel "Mrs. Dalloway."
Variety - "Clarissa" is described as a "buzzy, Lagos-set adaptation" and is backed by CANEX Creations.
Variety - Neon has released a first-look image for "Clarissa."
WHERE:
The Guardian - "Clarissa" is set partly in modern-day Lagos and partly in Abraka, southern Nigeria, 30 years in the past.
Deadline - The film "Clarissa" is set in Lagos, Nigeria.
Variety - "Clarissa" premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard sidebar.
WHEN:
Variety - "Clarissa" premiered on May 16 in Cannes.
WHY:
Deadline - Sophie Okonedo expressed that taking "Clarissa" from Nigeria to Cannes made her cry tears of joy.
Variety - Osahon Akpata outlined a strategic vision for CANEX Creations to boost the profile of African filmmakers.
HOW:
Deadline - The announcement of the film and its cast by Neon went viral earlier this year.
The Guardian - The film employs flashback scenes to depict Clarissa's past, including her relationships and experiences during her youth.
Deadline - The film is directed by Nigerian siblings Arie and Chuko Esiri, who are noted for their "very singular" vision.
(UPDATED May 16, 2026 21:20 UTC)
"Clarissa" received a hearty standing ovation following its debut screening at Cannes, marking a significant moment for the film. The excitement surrounding the movie and its cast, announced by Neon earlier this year, went viral and captured the attention of audiences everywhere. This strong reception at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals highlights the film's potential impact in the industry.
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(UPDATED May 16, 2026 17:20 UTC)
A new film titled "Clarissa" has been described as a seductively mysterious and melancholy drama that delves into life choices and the consequences of marrying the wrong person. The story features a troubled soldier named Septimus, who struggles with PTSD, and his life intersects with Clarissa's in a narrative that unfolds partly in modern-day Lagos and partly in Abraka, southern Nigeria, thirty years in the past. Through the use of flashback scenes, the film explores Clarissa's past, highlighting her relationships and experiences during her youth.
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(UPDATED May 16, 2026 09:22 UTC)
Sophie Okonedo, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her role in "Hotel Rwanda," stars as the title character in "Clarissa," a Lagos-set adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel "Mrs. Dalloway." The film, directed by Nigerian siblings Arie and Chuko Esiri, premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard sidebar, and Okonedo shared that taking "Clarissa" from Nigeria to Cannes brought her tears of joy. Osahon Akpata, the CEO of CANEX Creations, is backing this project as part of a strategic vision to elevate the profile of African filmmakers.