Emem Isong’s ‘Special Jollof’ Hits Cinemas On February 14, 2020

‘Special Jollof,’ a new movie from Nigerian screenwriter and film producer, Emem Isong is set to premiere in cinemas on 14th of February, 2020.

The movie which features Uche Jombo, Joseph Benjamin, Bukky Wright, Chiwetalu Agu, Mary Magdalene, Robert Peters and Femi Adebayo, was written by Rita Onwurah.

‘Special Jollof’ is a story of a life of a white journalist with a thriving career and a loving fiancé, whose perfect life is shattered by a shocking discovery. She blames her misfortune on illegal immigrants and vows to have them deported, especially the Nigerians.

According to Isong who produced the movie, it transcends tribes and races, and preaches unconditional love.

“Special Jollof is just a love story set in the background of immigration, the problems immigrants go through and this preconceived notion that every Immigrant is involved in illegal activities. This movie is actually different from what I normally do and because it is a well talked about issue worldwide at the moment, causing concern for world leaders.

“I just felt I should speak on it, let’s abolish the hate and have more love. And because I was in the states for a while, I decided to do something on Immigrants, in Houston especially, where there is a large community of Nigerians. I want to believe I actually achieved my purpose.”

Speaking further, one of the casts, Perez Egbi, who cited deception and misconception as some of the messages the movie tries to pass. He also talks about the great timing of the movie.

“The movies address deception and stereotypes. Just because a person looks a certain way or comes from a certain place does not mean you know them. Get to know people and don’t jump to conclusions. Special Jollof is very timely because February in the United States is the black history month and this movie addresses some of the things going on right now.

“The misconceptions about immigrants and how people get the impression that they are coming to commit crimes and create havoc but that is not the case. We have hardworking immigrants especially Nigerians and a report was just released that said Nigerians are the most hard-working black race in the united states, so this movie does not only have great timing and but it is also a great story.” he said.

Emem Isong began her career in filmmaking in 1994 when she wrote the script and co-produced the movie Jezebel. Her very first solo production was for the movie ‘Breaking Point’ in 1996 and had produced and written so many other films such as Reloaded, Breaking Point, She Devil, A Minute To Midnight, Play Boy, Private Sin, Master Stroke, Rumours, Shattered Illusion, and Promise Me Forever and Emotional Crack