Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Esiri Brothers' “Clarissa” Debuts at Cannes, Boosts Nigerian Arthouse

5/22/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Esiri brothers premiered “Clarissa” at Cannes Director’s Fortnight, making it the second Nigerian film at the festival after “My Father’s Shadow.”
“Clarissa” adapts Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” to Nigeria and stars Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo and Ayo Edebiri.
Neon signed a distribution deal weeks before shooting and will release the film in theaters later this year.
The Esiri brothers say the film signals a new wave for Nigerian arthouse cinema.

History

Historical Context

Ousmane Sembène broke new ground in 1966 when his feature Black Girl became the first film released by a sub-Saharan African director, earning international prizes and paving the way for African cinema. His 2004 Cannes-winning drama Moolaadé revived that legacy, and the 2024 Directors’ Fortnight entry Clarissa by the Esiri brothers signals Nigeria’s growing arthouse presence.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Esiri brothers premiered “Clarissa” at Cannes Director’s Fortnight, making it the second Nigerian film at the festival after “My Father’s Shadow.”
“Clarissa” adapts Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” to Nigeria and stars Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo and Ayo Edebiri.
Neon signed a distribution deal weeks before shooting and will release the film in theaters later this year.
The Esiri brothers say the film signals a new wave for Nigerian arthouse cinema.

1 / 2