About Madu

"Madu" narrates the compelling story of 12-year-old Anthony Madu, a young and talented ballet dancer from the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria. The film follows his journey from practicing barefoot on the rough grounds of his neighborhood to performing on the distinguished stage at Elmhurst Ballet School in England, one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Despite never having ventured far from his hometown, Anthony must adapt to a drastically different world as he chases his dream. The film explores the themes of courage, growth and the search for a sense of belonging amidst the extraordinary obstacles and an unexpected complication that threaten to shatter his aspirations. This cross-continental odyssey is a rich tapestry of emotional highs and lows, ultimately presenting a story that will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

Making / Production

'Madu' harbors a sense of authenticity, brought about by extensive filming in both Nigeria and England to depict accurately the contrasting atmospheres of Anthony's home and his new environment. This detailed approach to production adds depth to the setting and considerably enhances the overall movie-watching experience. The film's exquisite ballet sequences were choreographed by professional ballet dancers to give an authentic representation of the art form.

Actors

• 'Anthony Madu' is played by unknown talent discovered through auditions held in Lagos, bringing much-needed authenticity to the role.
• The faculty members and students at Elmhurst Ballet School were portrayed by real-life members of the institution, adding to the genuineness of the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts about "Madu"

• The movie is based on the real-life story of Anthony Madu, a Nigerian boy who gained fame when a video of him practicing ballet barefoot in the rain went viral.
• Director made the cast live in the ballet school as part of the holistic process of immersing them in the characters' lives.

Awards

The movie "Madu" was well-received by the critics and has won several awards for its moving narrative and striking authenticity. Notable among them are the Best International Feature Film award and the Best Director award for its unique portrayal of the African diaspora in ballet.

Quotes

• "Ballet is not about where you come from, it's about where you're going."
• "My shoes are not leather, they are determination."
• "Out of all places, I found home not in a place, but in my passion."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score was a powerful fusion of traditional Nigerian music and classical ballet scores, adding a poignant layer to the narrative.
• Notable tracks include 'Dance of the Swan Boy', 'Lagos to London' and 'Madu's Dream'.