Nigerian casting house, Afro-Wren Productions, has played a central role in the international feature film, ‘Clarissa’, an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s classic ‘Mrs Dalloway’, directed by Chuko Esiri and Arie Esiri, which premiered at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
The film, which has since been acquired by NEON for global and US theatrical release, features an international ensemble cast including Sophie Okonedo, India Amarteifio, and David Oyelowo, alongside a carefully selected group of Nigerian actors sourced and developed by Afro-Wren Productions.
At the heart of this collaboration is casting director, Olasunkanmi Adebayo, founder of Afro-Wren Productions, who described the project as a defining moment in the push to position Nigerian actors at the centre of global cinema.
With over a decade of experience championing African talent, Adebayo said the film represents the fulfilment of a long-standing vision to ensure Nigerian performers are not only visible in international productions but fully integrated into their creative core.
According to a statement shared with Saturday Beats, the Nigerian cast includes Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Fortune Nwafor, Norbert Young, Timileyin Ojeola, Chuks Joseph, Obed Isibor, Kenneth Uphopho, Eric Emeka, Ogranya Jable, Ovunda Ihunwo, among others.
Speaking on the casting process, Adebayo explained that the selection went beyond talent identification, focusing instead on emotional depth, preparation, and readiness for global production standards.
He added that the casting process involved extensive auditions, screen tests, and character development sessions across Nigeria, designed to ensure that each performer could meet the demands of an internationally scaled production.
