Malika: Warrior Queen, the animated film by Anthill Studios and YouNeek Studios, is now available for the public via YouTube. The short, written and directed by Roye Okupe, is a historical fantasy epic delivered in an African setting.
The film premiered at the Lagos Comic-Con last month and will be showing at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) next month. The story is set in 15th century West Africa and follows the heroics of Malika, Queen and military commander of the kingdom of Azzaz. Her journey to the throne of Azzaz divided the country and after years of civil war, she was able to unite all the kingdoms into a great empire.
However, affliction shall rise a second time: enemies from within and outside will come knocking, and Malika will have to fight a civil war while protecting her people from an external feared superpower—the Ming Dynasty. Nollywood’s favourite lead lady Adesua Etomi plays the titular character Malika which is inspired by the Queen Amina. Other cast members include Femi Branch, Deyemi Okanlowan, Sambasa Nzeribe and Blossom Chukwujekwu.
