Nollywood veteran Genevieve Nnaji is set to make her return to the big screen after a five-year hiatus. The actress will executive produce and star in the film adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s debut novel, “I Do Not Come To You by Chance.”
Released in 2009, the book centers around a young man who, to provide for his family, takes on the illicit trade of email scams. His actions lead to dangerous consequences for himself and the family he seeks to protect.
The book went on to become a best-seller and recipient of prestigious awards such as the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best First Book (Africa).
Details of the film are still under wraps, but it is rumored that Blossom Chukwujekwu, Paul Nnadieke, Beverly Osu, Jennifer Eliogu, and Sambasa Nberibe will make up the cast. Chinny Carter will co-executive alongside Nnaji and Ishaya Bako will serve as the film’s director.
“I Do Not Come To You by Chance” will make its debut at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September.
The last film Nnaji starred in (and directed) was “Lionheart,” released in 2018. It was Nigeria’s first Netflix original as well as Nigeria’s first submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.