A new supernatural drama rooted in Nigerian mythology, Water Girl, is preparing for its upcoming release with the unveiling of a teaser (watch below). The feature film was written and directed by Nnamdi Kanaga, a Nigerian filmmaker based in Montana, and was filmed in the United States.
The colours in the newly released teaser for Water Girl reflect the sadness and emotional struggle of the main character (played by Stella Damasus), who’s seen praying deeply for guidance. At the same time, we see flashes of a young girl holding a strange-looking doll. These scenes are cut together in a way that builds a sense of tension and hints at a mysterious connection between the two characters.
Water Girl tells the story of Damasus’ Nkechi, a woman who, after suffering multiple miscarriages, gives birth to a daughter named Kamsi. Her experience of motherhood quickly takes a darker turn when she discovers Kamsi is an Ọgbanje (a figure from Igbo spiritual belief described as a spirit child who dies and returns repeatedly, causing emotional devastation for the family).
Starring alongside Damasus are Kenneth Okolie (Nneka the Pretty Serpent), veteran actress Florence Onuma, Moriyahfaith Jackson as Kamsi, international actors Oliver Haeden, Nick Wilder, and Jenna Ciralli.
Speaking on the casting process for Water Girl, the filmmaker shared how a meaningful connection on a previous set led to one of the film’s collaborations. “I met Stella Damasus on a film set in Dallas, Texas, in 2021, and we just clicked after a series of conversations and on-set jabs,” he recalled. “Interestingly, after we wrapped, Stella called me and acknowledged my work ethic. She told me not to be a stranger, and ever since, she has been incredibly supportive of my filmmaking journey.”
That connection proved instrumental when it was time to cast another key role. “For Florence Onuma, I searched everywhere for an elderly actress who had a solid command of the Igbo language and could ‘act,’” he explained. Damasus encouraged Kanaga to reach out to Onuma, who now lived in D.C. He got in contact with her office and persuaded her to take on the role. “I already knew her talent from old Nollywood. I wanted that authenticity to shine through in Water Girl. Honestly, I’m just blessed,” he said.
According to Kanaga, Water Girl draws from traditional Igbo cosmology, particularly the belief in spirit children and the concept of “Iyiuwa”, a hidden object that ties the spirit to the mortal world. The film also explores environmental themes, connecting the cyclical nature of the Ọgbanje myth to ideas about nature’s balance and human impact.
Kanaga, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, moved to the United States in 2018 to pursue graduate studies and expand his career in filmmaking. Water Girl is his latest project as both director and writer. He has stated that the film is part of his effort to bring authentic African stories to the screen and to contribute to Montana’s growing independent film scene.
“I am excited about Water Girl’s cultural relevance, especially as a Montana-based filmmaker. I believe this will help contribute to the cultural diversity of Montana-made films. Globally, the impact of this film will help [re]introduce to public discourse the need for authentic African storytelling and representation.”, he said in a statement.
The film is produced in collaboration with cinematographer and co-producer Jennings Barmore, a Montana native and graduate of Montana State University’s Film Studies program.
Water Girl has already screened at the Flathead Lake International Cinefest, where it received recognition in several categories. The drama mystery has also been officially selected to screen at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, a platform dedicated to supporting African-American filmmakers.
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