Sophie Blake
Popular messaging app WhatsApp has unveiled its first-ever original film ‘Naija Odyssey’, which will be released on Amazon’s video streaming service Prime Video on September 21.
The 12-minute short film is about the story of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a professional NBA player who was born in 1994 in Athens, Greece to Nigerian parents Charles & Veronica Antetokounmpo.
Unlike other tech companies such as Apple that produce original content for their own streaming services, WhatsApp’s entry into the movie-making business seems to be a strategy to promote the messaging app which now has over 2 billion active users around the world. Back in February, Giannis became the company’s first brand spokesperson through a long-term endorsement deal.
WhatsApp’s Global Head of Marketing Vivian Odior said, “Naija Odyssey’ is a story that reinforces how WhatsApp helps us embrace our multifaceted lives. In navigating relationships, identity, and even adversity, WhatsApp is there — enabling you to embrace all sides of you by connecting you to those who matter most.”
The short film, which was directed by Rodrigo Inada & Nono Ayuso and edited by Oscar-winning Mikkel E.G. Nielsen, is also expected to be released on WhatsApp’s YouTube channel and other social media accounts.
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