Anna Daniels
‘Strong,’ the sequel to the 2019 acclaimed film ‘Drawing Strength’ by Dimbo Atiya, has officially begun principal photography, with Sophie Alakija and Chris Okagbue reprising their roles. See the first-look images below.
‘Strong’ follows the journey of Lami (played by Sophie Alakija) and Sota (portrayed by Chris Okagbue), a couple deeply in love but entangled in circumstances that threaten to shake the very core of their relationship.
When Sota is accused of a heinous crime—the alleged murder of a woman with whom he was rumoured to have had an affair—their world is thrown into chaos. Instead of succumbing to despair or abandoning her husband, Lami sets out on a quest for truth, showcasing the long-suffering power of trust, love, and unwavering belief in the face of life’s most trying tribulations.
At the premiere of ‘Drawing Strength’ in 2019, Karachi Atiya remarked, “This film delves into the depths of faith and character. It is about navigating between right and wrong, and when you find out that what you are doing does not agree with your faith, you should have the courage to make a change. We hope it sparks positive change and resonates with viewers.”
‘Strong’ features an ensemble cast including Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko, Edward Fom, Ahide Adum, Eva Ibiam, Nora Igho, and Onyinye Ezekwe, and promises to captivate audiences with its stellar performances and compelling storyline.
Hailing from the acclaimed director Dimbo Atiya and award-winning producer Karachi Atiya, known for their previous works such as ‘WAR: Wrath & Revenge,’ ‘Halita,’ ‘The Rishantes,’ and ‘Still Falling,’ this film delves deep into the complexities of marriage and the unyielding determination to protect it against all odds and at all costs.
Atiya is collaborating again with Kaahasaa Zebedi, after their work on limited series ‘Money in the Game,’ to add emotional depth and cinematic brilliance to the screenplay with layers of narrative complexity, ensuring that viewers are not mere spectators but active participants in the characters’ journeys.
Executive produced by a team of visionaries including Karachi Atiya, Dr. Abiye Alamina, Dr. Efe Efemini, and Osa and Adaora Olomu, ‘Strong’ transcends the boundaries of cinema, sparking a movement to confront the challenges within marriages and relationships and the strength required to overcome them.
Dimbo Atiya, the film’s multifaceted writer, producer, and director, reflects on its themes, stating, “With ‘Strong,’ we sought to explore the indomitable spirit of humanity, particularly within the sacred bonds of marriage. It pays homage to those who tirelessly defend love, even in the face of insurmountable obstacles. This film serves as a testament to the enduring strength found in faith, hope, and unwavering commitment to one another.”
