Harsh Vardhan
Lagos will bring the pages of Tomi Adeyemi’s book to life! Filming for Paramount’s adaptation of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ is all set to kick off in February in Lagos. Gina Prince-Bythewood is at the helm, directing from a script adapted by Adeyemi herself. Cast information remains under wraps at this juncture.
The action fantasy novel centers around the courageous heroine Zélie Adebola, a member of the Maji, a group of powerful magic practitioners. Set in the richly imagined kingdom of Orïsha, the story unfolds as Zélie embarks on a daring quest to restore magic to her homeland. This quest is driven by her determination to fight against the oppressive ruling class, known as the kosidáns, who have brutally suppressed her people and their magical heritage. As Zélie navigates a world filled with danger and intrigue, she must confront both external foes and the challenges within herself to reclaim the lost magic and bring hope back to her kingdom.
Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian American author best known for her acclaimed debut novel, ‘Children of Blood and Bone,’ the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. The novel debuted at #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers List and received several awards, including the 2018 Andre Norton Award and the 2019 Hugo Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book.
Gina Prince-Bythewood most recently directed ‘The Woman King,’ a historical epic based on the true events of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which was one of Africa’s most powerful states in the 18th and 19th centuries. Before that, she directed ‘The Old Guard’ for Netflix, a film about a secretive group of immortal mercenaries who have been protecting the world for centuries. When their abilities come to light, they must confront those who want to replicate their power. She also directed the heartwarming cult classic ‘The Secret Life of Bees,’ which takes place in 1964. In this film, a lonely teenager named Lily escapes her troubled home and discovers comfort and community with the Boatwright sisters in South Carolina. Prince-Bythewood’s body of work reflects her dedication to telling empowering stories centered around Black and female perspectives.
Lagos has recently served as the backdrop for notable projects such as ‘Iwájú’ and ‘The Black Book,’ establishing itself as one of Africa’s key filming locations.
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