![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BY2VkZDE1NjMtZWIwNC00NjBjLTkyOGMtOTcyMjAyMmJhNzk3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR91,0,500,281_.jpg)
When Dn alums Nono and Rodrgio Inada (last seen on our pages here and here respectively) were approached with the challenge of creating the maiden short film for messaging giants Whatsapp they were immediately taken with both the colossal possibilities of the project and the unassailable linkage to the filmmakers’ own backgrounds and zealously launched into the making of film Najia Odyssey. The short centres around basketball giant Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek-born Nigerian whose own search to unify his heritage and migrant upbringing was pitched by New York creative agency Translation coupled with the inspired touch of basing the narrative on Homer’s Odyssey. Whilst Odysseus battled mythical creatures, Nono and Inada were equally challenged to create a cohesive, inspiring and narrative journey under the guise of a commercial potentate and they did so with passion, stunning camerawork and the cross-border cohesion of an international team of collaborators. The resulting...
- 7/5/2023
- by Sarah Smith
- Directors Notes
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMGY5NmM2ZTItMjljNi00YTI3LWI3NTAtZDlkMzNmZGQ0MDIxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,8,500,281_.jpg)
WhatsApp wants in on original content.
The Meta-owned messaging app announced its first original, a 12-minute short film starring its debut celebrity spokesperson, NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Called Naija Odyssey, the film is narrated by Antetokounmpo and his mother and “tells his origin story…as he reconciles his roots, birthplace and sense of belonging between cross-cultural worlds,” per its official description.
Antetokounmpo’s parents are Nigerian, and immigrated to Greece. He was born in Athens.
According to Variety, Naija Odyssey is above all a piece of branded content.
“Naija Odyssey is a story that reinforces how WhatsApp helps us embrace our multifaceted lives,” Vivian Odior, WhatsApp’s global head of marketing, told the outlet. “In navigating relationships, identity, and even adversity, WhatsApp is there—enabling you to embrace all sides of you by connecting you to those who matter most.”
The short film is directed by Nono Ayuso and Rodrigo Inada,...
The Meta-owned messaging app announced its first original, a 12-minute short film starring its debut celebrity spokesperson, NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Called Naija Odyssey, the film is narrated by Antetokounmpo and his mother and “tells his origin story…as he reconciles his roots, birthplace and sense of belonging between cross-cultural worlds,” per its official description.
Antetokounmpo’s parents are Nigerian, and immigrated to Greece. He was born in Athens.
According to Variety, Naija Odyssey is above all a piece of branded content.
“Naija Odyssey is a story that reinforces how WhatsApp helps us embrace our multifaceted lives,” Vivian Odior, WhatsApp’s global head of marketing, told the outlet. “In navigating relationships, identity, and even adversity, WhatsApp is there—enabling you to embrace all sides of you by connecting you to those who matter most.”
The short film is directed by Nono Ayuso and Rodrigo Inada,...
- 9/15/2022
- by James Hale
- Tubefilter.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.