Lupita Nyong’o Will Be Investigating The Real Lives Of The Dahomey Amazons In New Documentary

Lupita Nyong’o will be starring alongside Viola Davis in the film The Woman King, which is set to be released in 2020.

The film is inspired by true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries, The Woman King tells the story of Nabisco (Viola Davis), general of the all-female military unit known as the Amazons, and her daughter, Nawi (Lupita Nyong’o), who together fought the French and neighboring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.

This highly anticipated film is already receiving Oscar buzz. While receiving a lot of attention from this film. Lupita decided to team up with UK’s Channel 4 to bring Dahomey Amazons legacy to life in another way.

According to The Shadow Act, Nyong’o will star as the presenter of documentary Warrior Women with Lupita Nyong’o, where she will travel to Benin to learn more about the Amazons, or as they’re called by their proper name, the Agojie.

According to Deadline, the documentary is produced by SandStone Global Productions, which has engaged in projects about Africa before, such as The Nile: Egypt’s Great River and Egypt’s Greatest Treasures.

“Lupita Nyong’o’s investigation into the real story of the all-female army is thrilling, haunting and emotional,” said Shaminder Nahal, Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor, Arts & Topical Specialist Factual according to Deadline. “It’s amazing the true story of these kick-ass female fighters isn’t more widely known–and in telling it, the film challenges dominant narratives about race, women and power. With some surprises along the way.”

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