Nigeria banned 'Half of Yellow Sun' set for US release

A new Nigerian film, 'Half of a Yellow Sun' is scheduled to be released in the US market, setting a new milestone for the country's growing movie industry.

The film, which was to be premiered in Nigeria in April, was denied approval by approving authorities in Nigeria who claimed it could stoke old wounds and trigger violence.

The movie features, Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, who earlier acted in 12 Years a Slave actress Thandie Newton. Ejiofor was born in London to Nigerian parents and has now become a known actor in the industry.

The film is Nigeria's most expensive movie yet with a budget of $10 million. NewsPointAfrican quotes the film's director, Nigerian born Biyi Bandele as saying, 'Eighty percent of the money came from Nigeria.

That was a first. That never happened before. It's the biggest movie ever made in Nigeria.' British film producer Andrea Calderwood said that the team faced many obstacles including customs closures, water shortages, typhoid and malaria epidemics, financing challenges.

He said at times it seemed that the film might be cancelled but the team worked through the challenges and completed the wonderful movie.

They said that it is an engaging movie made for a wide variety of audiences.

Chiwetel Ejiofor Entertainment Nigeria United States