Filmmaking brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri have secured a distribution deal with acclaimed American independent film production and distribution company NEON for their upcoming title, Clarissa.
An adaptation of “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf, the Esiri brothers’ sophomore film follows Clarissa, a Lagos socialite, who hosts a party where old friends reunite. As the night unfolds, they revisit past loves, secrets, and lost dreams, leading to a heartfelt reckoning. Shot on 35mm film between November and December 2025 in Nigeria, the story moves between the city of Lagos and flashbacks to Esiris’ hometown in Abraka, Delta State.
In an interview, Chuko spoke briefly about the film’s musical direction, mentioning songs like Nina Simone’s version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as a title that fits the upcoming film. Cast members include African diasporan actors Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo, India Amarteifio, Ayo Edebiri, and Toheeb Jimoh.
Written by Chuko Esiri, Clarissa was produced by the Esiri brothers. Theresa Park (Per Capita Productions), Nicholas Weinstock (Invention Studios) also serve as producers alongside Oscar-nominated Nina Gold and Thomas Bassett as co-producers. Sophie Okonedo, Dolly Omodolapo Kola-Balogun, Osahon Okunbo, and Jason Reif are credited as executive producers, with Africa-based Afreximbank’s CANEX Creations Inc. (CANEX) and MBO Capital as the financiers.
The deal marks another major step for the twin brothers, who first gained international attention with their debut film, Eyimofe (This Is My Desire). Released in 2020, Eyimofe screened at major international film festivals and was later distributed in North America by Janus Films before being the first Nigerian title added to the Criterion Collection.
Neon, which holds U.S. distribution and international sales rights, is known for distributing international and independent films and has built a strong reputation for bringing global cinema to American audiences. The company has handled distribution for films such as the Oscar-winning South Korean film Parasite and Palme d’Or title Anatomy of a Fall.
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