Novel, ‘Radio Sunrise,’ set for release as film in October

The award-winning novel, ‘Radio Sunrise’ by Anietie Isong has been adapted into a feature film and will be released on October 1, 2025.

The production is led by Emem Isong of Royal Arts Academy, with direction by Uduak Isong of Closer Pictures. Filmed across Lagos State and the Niger Delta, the project has Kenneth Ochije, Emmanuel Ekpenyong and Anietie Isong as executive producers.

The film brings together a stellar cast, including Bimbo Ademoye, Maurice Sam, Akin Lewis, Uche Montana, Pere Egbi, Tomi Ojo and Adebowale Adedayo (Mr Macaroni).

First published in the United Kingdom in 2017, the book was longlisted for the 9mobile Prize for Literature, and won the McKitterick Prize in the UK. The satirical novel interrogates the commodification of journalism and the socio-political realities of the Niger Delta.

Speaking on the adaptation, Uduak Isong noted the personal significance of the story. “Telling this story has been deeply personal for me. As someone from the Niger Delta, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles and the quiet resilience of people living in that region. Radio Sunrise gives voice to so many realities that are often overlooked,” she said.

On her part, Emem Isong described the project as both personal and timely.

The novel’s author, Anietie Isong, who is also brother to both the director and producer, expressed delight at seeing the story adapted by family.