The work of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is being translated into film by Ghanaian producer Akosua Adoma Owusu. “On Monday of Last Week,” Adichie’s short story about a Nigerian caretaker working with an interesting family dynamic, has been adapted into film by Owusu’s Obinini Pictures.
“My previous films have been inspired by folk stories,” Owusu said in a statement to ESSENCE. “So I was honored to adapt this compelling work of literature from a contemporary African writer and render it in my film style. Adichie’s short story is very much in line with themes I’ve explored in previous works – especially ideas of conventional beauty and identity.”
In the film, the lead character, Kamara (Chinasa Ogbuagu) takes a job as a nanny to earn extra money while waiting for her green card. Despite being an intellectual with a Master’s degree, working in close contact with the wife (played by Karyn Parsons) makes her question perception and attraction. The film also stars Nigerian-American actress Chinasa Ogbuagu (The Following), Peter Rini (Orange is the New Black), Jill Shackner (The Americans), and newcomer Farouk James Prempeh. The music is scored by Ghanaian rapper M.anifest. Beloved French duo Les Nubians composed original music for the soundtrack.
On Monday of Last Week recently won for Best Short at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).