AGOODJIE co-creator Didier Lacoste. Courtesy of STUDIOCANAL
STUDIOCANAL, Europe’s leader in production, distribution and international sales of TV series and feature films, announces development of epic action drama AGOODJIE.
AGOODJIE (8 x 52 minutes), commissioned by CANAL+ International, is based on the extraordinary true story of a fearsome female army in 19th century Africa. To be filmed in English-language in stunning locations in South Africa, Nigeria and Benin, the series is created by Didier Lacoste (Guyane, L’Ecole du Pouvoir, Spin) and Joy Fleury (Tristesse et beauté, La fête des pères), along with Nigerian screenwriters Ukamaka Olisakwe, Jude Idada and Adachioma Ezeano.
The Agoodjies of Dahomey were an elite corps of 4,000 edgy and fearsome female warriors who confronted the most powerful French army of the time in a bloody 4-year war. Masterfully woven between the points of view of a young female villager destined for greater things, and a once wealthy kingdom led by an enlightened monarch, this ambitious series depicts the ever-relevant quest for power, the raw need for love that fuels life-altering decisions, and our reliance, yet misuse of our powerful natural world.
Joy Fleury, Future Production, comments “This incredible story of the past of the Agoodjies is in deep connection with our modern world which seeks to restore its link with nature but also to build a new relationship between men and women and new connections between cultures. A sincere search for balance by our young generation in quest of humanity.”
Nathalie Folloroux, SVP CANAL+ Channels at CANAL+ INTERNATIONAL, adds “We are very proud to accompany such an ambitious project on the world-famous 19th century African female warriors. With our investment in African production, and our dedication to promote African culture, legends and heroes, we were immediately conquered by the project held by Joy Fleury and Didier Lacoste, given its authentic rooting in Africa”.
Françoise Guyonnet, Executive Managing Director TV, STUDIOCANAL says “We’re very excited to board this fascinating and intriguing story of female empowerment. Set in Africa, it’s a universal story of love, loss, revenge and justice, with strong appeal to viewers throughout the world.”
Dahomey and Yoruba, Africa, 1889. Fighting in a war between neighboring kingdoms, the Agoodjie warriors battle for their own version of liberation and freedom, but become caught up in the divided ambitions of their feuding royal families. Power, lust, revenge, and the thirst for succession easily derail the once pure fights for justice and love.
This is epitomized by the journey of the female protagonist, Tiwa, a teenager on the verge of adulthood from the Yoruba Kingdom. As war rips Tiwa away from the love of her life, family and home, plunging her into adulthood too early, Tiwa’s moral compass is pushed to the brink – perhaps, even beyond. Initiated into the Agoodjie army, Tiwa soon proves she has special fighting capabilities and we begin to question the role of sanctuary and divergence her new family provides.
