Breakthrough ballerino: 12-year-old Nigerian dancer stuns in new Disney documentary
Directed by Academy Award nominee Matt Ogens (“Home + Away,” 2018) and Kachi Benson (“Daughters of Chibok,” 2019), the feature-length documentary “Madu” premieres Friday, March 29, on Disney+.
Having debuted at the Santa Barbara Film Festival in February of this year, chosen as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Official Selection, “Madu” details one boy’s journey to follow his dreams, joining 12-year-old Anthony Madu as he travels from his hometown in Nigeria to a prestigious ballet school across the ocean, the 100-year-old Elmhurst Ballet School, in order to hone his talents among the best.
The talented young ballerino was first discovered in 2020, following the release of a video shared by the boy’s ballet teacher — a 44-second clip of Anthony dancing, a brief but jaw-dropping performance that soon went viral, earning him a scholarship to study at the academy.
Disney released a press statement describing the following: “Having never left his home outside of Lagos, Anthony finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dreams are suddenly within reach. His courageous journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles as he searches for belonging and acceptance, a family far away, and unexpected challenges that could impact his future. Forming a rich and immersive tapestry told on multiple continents, ‘Madu’ introduces the world to a boy chasing a dream of inspiration that will resonate with us all.”
During the documentary’s official trailer, Anthony can be seen dancing in the streets of his hometown, sharing the pride he feels for his craft.
“I was five years old when I discovered ballet,” Anthony says. “People think that it’s not for boys, [but] it’s my dream, and I have to follow it . ... I can’t believe that I’m going to be schooling in England for seven years.”
Anthony’s father goes on to say: “It’s something that one has to embrace, accept, [and] appreciate,” while his mother, on the phone with her son’s new school, exclaims how proud she is of her son.
A touching and inspiring tale of determination and talent this once-in-alifetime story comes from producers Jamie Patricof (“Exhibiting Forgiveness,” 2024), Katie Mcneill (“The Place Beyond the Pines,” 2012) and Rachel Halilej (“High, Hello”) of Hunting Lane Films.