Nigerian casting company, Afro-Wren Productions, has been key in the international film, ‘Clarissa’. This film is based on Virginia Woolf’s classic ‘Mrs Dalloway’. It was directed by Chuko Esiri and Arie Esiri. The film premiered at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
The movie has been picked up by NEON for global and US theatrical release. It features a mix of international stars like Sophie Okonedo, India Amarteifio, and David Oyelowo. Alongside them are a group of Nigerian actors carefully chosen by Afro-Wren Productions.
Olasunkanmi Adebayo, the founder of Afro-Wren Productions, is the casting director. He called this project a defining moment for Nigerian actors in global cinema. He has spent over ten years promoting African talent. Adebayo said this film shows his vision to have Nigerian actors visible and involved in international productions.
A statement shared with Saturday Beats listed the Nigerian cast. They include Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Fortune Nwafor, Norbert Young, Timileyin Ojeola, Chuks Joseph, Obed Isibor, Kenneth Uphopho, Eric Emeka, Ogranya Jable, and Ovunda Ihunwo, among others.
Adebayo talked about the casting process. He said it was not just about finding talented people. They looked for emotional depth and readiness for global standards. The casting process included many auditions, screen tests, and character development sessions across Nigeria. This was to make sure every performer was ready for an international production.
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