Exclusive: James Amuta Explores African Mythology in “Last Bride of the River”

James Amuta, a Nigerian filmmaker known for his ability to craft narratives that blend realism with intense social themes, is now venturing into mythological fantasy with his latest project, “Last Bride of the River”.

In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Amuta shared details about the film, which is currently in pre-production and set in a civilization untouched by external forces. Expanding on the universe of his earlier work, “Last Son of the River”, this new film explores African mythology in a way that Nollywood has rarely attempted.

“Africa is a mythical land,” Amuta said. “We grew up with stories of supernatural beings and legends, but we don’t tell those stories anymore. Our so-called epics and historical dramas often focus on war and conquest, but Africa is already a land of myth. We live in it.”

At the heart of the story is a formidable female protagonist, a character Amuta describes as one of the strongest African figures in recent cinema. Unlike the conventional warrior or queen archetypes, she wields power not through brute force but through intelligence, influence, and an almost supernatural presence.

“I’ve always loved telling stories with strong female characters,” he explained. “My mother was a strong woman, and I think that shaped my perspective. I fear and respect women to the point of reverence. This film celebrates that strength, the kind that doesn’t need aggression to dismantle patriarchy but does so through unspoken, subtle power.”

For Amuta, “Last Bride of the River” is not just an exploration of gender dynamics but also a statement on African representation in global cinema. He emphasized the importance of world-building, aiming to craft a setting so rich and immersive that audiences would believe in its existence.

“People still ask for flights to Wakanda,” he said, laughing. “”That tells you how deeply a well-crafted world can influence perception. I want “Last Bride of the River” to make people see Africa differently—not as a place of struggle, but as a place of beauty, mysticism, and power.”

The film’s setting plays a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. Amuta and his team have scouted remote locations that reflect a world untouched by modernity.

“We’ve been to places where mobile networks don’t work, where you look around and there’s no sign of the modern world. That’s exactly what we need, landscapes that feel untouched, almost mythical in their isolation.”

While production details remain under wraps, filming is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Amuta acknowledged the challenges of executing such an ambitious project but remains confident in his team’s ability to deliver a visually stunning and narratively rich film.

“This isn’t just a film; it’s an experience,” he said. “It’s something that should make people feel like they’ve stepped into a world they’ve never seen before.”

Amuta’s previous works, including the AMVCA-nominated documentary “Nightfall in Lagos” and the internationally acclaimed “Black Harvest”, have cemented his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle complex themes. However, he sees “Last Bride of the River” as a departure from his typically gritty storytelling.

“After “Black Harvest”, I felt a bit guilty,”he admitted. “It was a brutally honest film, but I don’t want to keep reinforcing negative stereotypes about Africa. This time, I want to create something that instills pride, that makes people say, ‘I want to visit this place.’

As the final script revisions wrap up and production gears up, Amuta is determined to push the boundaries of African storytelling with “Last Bride of the River”.