Acclaimed filmmaker C.J. Obasi is set to direct The Boy Who Runs, a biographical feature centered on Ugandan athlete and politician Julius Achon. Obasi, best known for Mami Wata, will also serve as producer on the project.
The screenplay is being co-written by Obasi alongside Kirimi Kiage and Teddy Gitau. Kudi Maradzika joins the production as executive producer, while Mortinno Morton will serve as co-producer on the film.
Swiss production company 9 NIGHTS is producing the project alongside Obasi’s Fiery Film. The film is adapted from John Brant’s book of the same name, which chronicles Achon’s life and career.
The story follows Achon’s journey from northern Uganda, where he was abducted as a child by the Lord’s Resistance Army, to becoming a national champion runner. It also explores his time competing at George Mason University in the United States.
The film further traces Achon’s professional distance-running career under Nike in Oregon before documenting his transition into politics. He currently serves as the elected Member of Parliament representing Otuke County in northern Uganda.
The project marks Obasi’s latest feature following Mami Wata, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival before screening across the international festival circuit. The film also served as Nigeria’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
Obasi is also currently in production on A Blue Butterfly, a psychological drama starring Steve Toussaint and Sanaa Lathan. The supporting cast includes Lucian Msamati, Anton Lesser, Eliane Umuhire, Andy Nyman and Aggy K. Adams.
