Narrative Landscape Press has announced the adaptation of Radio Sunrise, a novel by Nigerian writer Anietie Isong, into a feature film.
The story revolves around Ifiok, a young journalist working for a public radio station in Lagos who aspires to do the right thing but the odds seem to be against him. After the government cuts the funding to his radio drama, his girlfriend breaks up with him when she discovers that he is having an affair with an intern. The rise of kidnapping and militancy in the country is alarming and when he travels to his hometown, the tragic-comic series of events unfolds which makes him realise his inability to swim against the tide.
In speaking with Brittle Paper, Anietie Isong, author of the award-winning novel said:
“Seeing Radio Sunrise adapted for the screen by my sisters is incredibly moving. We all come from Niger Delta, and this story is rooted in the land, people and truth we grew up with. I wrote the novel to shed light on the challenges faced by journalists in a system where integrity is constantly tested, and to explore the deeper social and political tensions in our country. I’m proud that this adaptation remains true to those themes, and even prouder that it’s a project driven by family, passion and purpose.”
Anietie Isong holds a PhD in New Media and Writing from De Montfort University, Leicester, and degrees from the University of Ibadan and the University of Leicester. His novel, Radio Sunrise, won the McKitterick Prize in 2018 and has been described as a satirical portrait of Nigeria.
Isong is also the recipient of several other literary honours, including the MUSON Poetry Award for These Many Rivers, the Commonwealth Short Story Award for Diary of an ECOMOG Soldier, the Olaudah Equiano Prize for Fiction, and the Remember Oluwale Writing Prize. He also sponsored a special prize for “Best Nigerian Story” in the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.
Congratulations, Anietie Isong!
Sarah Adeyemo
Sarah Adeyemo, Swan IX, is a Nigerian poet, writer, editor, spoken word artiste and communication expert. The debut author of “The Shape of Silence”. She draws inspiration from solitude and experiences. She is a fellow of the SprinNG Writing Fellowship. Her works appeared or are forthcoming in Akpata Magazine, The Shallow Tales Review, The Muse Journal, The Weganda Review, Everscribe Magazine, Afrillhill Press, Poems For Persons Interest, TV-63 Magazine, Northern Writers Forum Journal, Eboquills, Rinna Lit. Anthologies, and elsewhere. She tweets @SarahInkspires.
