Akin Omotoso: Nigerian filmmaker's film, 'Vaya' gets date for Netflix debut

Following the acquisition of Akin Omotoso's film, 'Vaya' by Array Releasing, a release date is now set for its Netflix debut.

Akin Omotoso's film, ''Vaya'' is set for its Netflix debut alongside an international tour across South America and Europe after Ava DuVernay’s film collective, ARRAY Releases, acquired distribution rights to the film.

Ava DuVernay announced Tuesday that her film collective, Array Releasing, has acquired their 19th feature with ''Vaya''.

The South African based coming-of-age drama from Nigerian filmmaker, Akin Omotoso is now set for a national screening tour as well as a November 1 debut on popular internet movie channel, Netflix.

Array has acquired distribution rights in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand territories.

Akin Omotoso centers the film on South Africa’s diverse communities to explore the universal experiences related to coming of age,” explained Array’s Vice President Tilane Jones.

“We’re excited to add this vibrant work to Array’s catalog and we look forward to sharing its message of hope in the face of adversity with an international audience.”

Array Releasing had earlier in the year also acquired the second feature film from female filmmaker C.Fitz.Array, ''Jewel's Catch One'' as it continues to expand its inclusive slate of films and storytelling.

Here is all you need to know about the film Vaya

 

Vaya, which made its world premiere in 2016 at the Toronto International Film Festival, weaves together a trio stories of the innocence lost by three young South Africans who journey away from their rural homes on a train bound for Johannesburg.

The film culminates in an explosive moment based on real accounts. Vaya marks the fourth feature film for Omotoso and his first collaboration with first-time feature cinematographer Kabelo Thathe.

‘Vaya’ was the most nominated [ten] movie at the 2017 edition of the African Movie Academy Award [AMAA] but won only three.

‘Vaya,’ a multiple award-winning film, which took eight years to produce according to the fimmaker was inspired by the true-life story of three strangers, who board a train bound for Johannesburg, each on their own mission.

The script was written by seven different writers and the movie was set in South Africa.

Omotoso is best known for 'Blood Diamond,’ ‘Lord of War,’ ‘Jacob’s Cross', and ‘Man on Ground’.