Nigerian director, Joel Kachi Benson has been confirmed to direct Disney Original Documentary on Anthony Madu, the young Nigerian ballet dancer that went viral.
This was confirmed by Disney Original Documentary at the D23 Expo while future projects were being unveiled.
“Anthony comes from a community with limited opportunities, making this a chance of a lifetime to pursue his dream.”
The events that transpired after a 44-second video of Anthony dancing in the rain was released are documented in the upcoming documentary titled “Madu.”
With his pirouettes and leaps, Madu, who was 11 at the time, mesmerized a large audience throughout the world.
He eventually received a scholarship to the 100-year-old Elmhurst Ballet School in the United Kingdom thanks to the video.
“Anthony’s journey is a beautiful one, full of courage, growth and acceptance. We aim to share unique, diverse and global perspectives with audiences, full of magic and heart.”
The feature film is being directed by Oscar nominee, Matt Ogens and Nigerian director Joel “Kachi Benson,” who won the Venice Award in 2019 for his virtual reality documentary “Daughters of Chibok.”
Hunting Lane Films’ Jamie Patricof, Katie McNeill, and Rachel Halilej produce it, while Marjon Javadi is in charge of it as a Disney Original Documentary.
Audiences saw footage from the feature documentary at the D23 Expo in California, USA.