Cohen Media Group has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Lady, the debut feature from Nigerian-born writer-director Olive Nwosu. The film is being sold internationally by HanWay Films.
The acquisition comes after Lady made its world premiere in the World Dramatic Cinema Competition at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast. The film later screened at the Berlin International Film Festival for its European premiere.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Lacy at Gersh and HanWay Films CEO Gabrielle Stewart on behalf of the filmmakers, alongside Robert Aaronson for Cohen Media Group.
Starring Jessica Gabriel, Amanda Oruh, Tinuade Jemiseye, Bucci Franklin, and Seun Kuti, Lady follows a female cab driver navigating the nightlife of Lagos while trying to build a path toward freedom and stability. Her world shifts when a childhood friend named Pinky re-enters her life, pulling her into the vibrant but dangerous underbelly of the city.
Set against the backdrop of Lagos nightlife, the film explores themes of survival, sisterhood, and escape while centering women rarely portrayed in Nigerian cinema. Nwosu reportedly spent time with Nigerian sex workers during development to ensure the film authentically reflected the realities of the community.
“We’re proud and grateful to champion a new and exciting international voice in cinemas to American audiences,” Aaronson said in a statement. “Olive and her Sundance-winning cast illuminate the personal and political with impressive depth and specificity, while showing us their vibrant world with fun and incredible music.”
The soundtrack blends contemporary African jazz and dance music with contributions from artists including Little Simz, Obongjayar, and BANTU, alongside local Nigerian acts EDAOTO and Deto Black.
Lady is a U.K.-Nigeria co-production developed with Film4 and financed by the British Film Institute, Film4, and Screen Scotland, with additional support from Level Forward and Amplify Capital.
The film was produced by Ossian International’s Alex Polunin, Good Gate’s John Giwa-Amu, and Stella Nwimo, with co-production from Lagos-based Emperium Films.