Disney Plus to Premiere “Madu”: A Tale of Nigerian Ballet Prodigy

Disney Plus is set to exclusively stream “Madu,” a documentary directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Matt Ogens and award-winning filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson.

Scheduled for release on March 29, 2024, the film narrates the remarkable story of Anthony Madu, an aspiring ballet dancer who defies odds in pursuit of his passion in Nigeria.

The documentary unfolds Anthony’s narrative, beginning with the discovery of a viral 44-second video in 2020, showcasing the 11-year-old dancing barefoot in the rain on a muddy street. The video, with over 16 million views, garnered attention from celebrities and ballet enthusiasts, leading to Anthony’s scholarship offers from prominent ballet schools.

Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and visa issues preventing him from attending a U.S. school, Anthony secured a scholarship to the Elmhurst Ballet School in the U.K. “Madu” follows Anthony’s journey as he leaves Nigeria to embrace new opportunities and navigate the complexities of being a young black male ballet dancer in a predominantly female space.

Featuring interviews with Anthony, his family, teachers, and peers, alongside archival footage, animations, and reenactments, the documentary provides an intimate look at Anthony’s pursuit of his dream. The film serves as an inspirational story, encouraging individuals, especially black children, to follow their passions, irrespective of societal norms or gender expectations.

Anthony’s wish is for the world to understand that ballet transcends gender stereotypes, and “Madu” aims to amplify this message. The documentary is scheduled to start streaming on Disney Plus on March 29, 2024.