Nigerian US-based actress, comedian, and producer Yvonne Orji has issued a powerful declaration about her creative mission, announcing her return to the director’s chair for a new project filmed entirely in Lagos.
“This ain’t a movie dawg… ” It’s a movement,” Orji wrote on social media. “I don’t just talk about telling stories that can go from LA to London to Lagos… I create them.”
The “Insecure” star, who has built a career bridging Hollywood and African narratives, revealed she has enlisted “some of the brightest talent in Lagos, from producers to DPs to other directors” to help bring her vision to life.
“We have everything we need on the Continent to create quality work,” she asserted. “People are hungry. People are ready.”
Orji acknowledged the challenges of filming in Nigeria—shouting out “Damn you NEPA!”—but dismissed them as no excuse to stop. “There are challenges everywhere,” she said. “Being in the pipeline is worth it. Building the bridge is worth it. Bringing our stories center stage IS. WORTH. IT.”
Born in Port Harcourt and raised in the United States, Orji holds a Master’s in Public Health from George Washington University.
She is currently hosting Netflix’s speed-dating show “Pop the Balloon Live” and developing “First Gen,” a series based on her personal life, produced by Oprah Winfrey and David Oyelowo.
“Can’t wait to share what I’ve been cookin!!” she teased.
