Iyke Bede
The award-winning novel ‘Radio Sunrise’ by Anietie Isong is set for its big screen debut on October 1, with producers promising a socially charged narrative that mirrors the contradictions of Nigerian life.
Produced by Emem Isong of Royal Arts Academy and directed by Uduak Isong of Closer Pictures, the film was shot across Lagos and the Niger Delta region, drawing inspiration from the terrain that shaped the story. Kenneth Ochije, Emmanuel Ekpenyong and the author himself, Anietie Isong, served as executive producers.
The adaptation features a revered cast lineup including Bimbo Ademoye, Maurice Sam, Akin Lewis, Uche Montana, Pere Egbi, Tomi Ojo and Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni.
Speaking on the significance of the project, director Uduak described it as a personal journey.
“Telling this story has been deeply personal for me. As someone from the Niger Delta, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles, and the quiet resilience of people living in that region. ‘Radio Sunrise’ gives voice to so many realities that are often overlooked.”
Originally published in the UK in 2017 and later republished in Nigeria by Narrative Landscape Press, the novel earned critical acclaim, including the McKitterick Prize and a longlisting for the 9mobile Prize for Literature. The BBC once described it as “a hilarious, yet sobering take on the foibles of Nigerian life.”
Producer Emem explained that the story’s resonance goes beyond entertainment, positioning Nollywood as a platform for cultural and social reflection.
“This film is close to my heart because it speaks to the place I come from. The Niger Delta is rich in culture and history, but it’s also been shaped by years of neglect and conflict. With ‘Radio Sunrise,’ we wanted to spotlight those complexities with honesty and empathy. At the same time, it’s exciting to see the Nigerian film industry rising to tell more layered, socially conscious stories. We’re proud to be part of that evolution.”
For author Anietie, the project carries an added layer of intimacy, as his sisters took the helm of the adaptation.
“Seeing ‘Radio Sunrise’ adapted for the screen by my sisters is incredibly moving. We all come from the Niger Delta, and this story is rooted in the land, people, and truths we grew up with,” he said. “I wrote the novel to shed light on the challenges faced by journalists in a system where integrity is constantly tested, and to explore the deeper social and political tensions in our country.”
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