Arie and Chuko Esiri’s Clarissa is one of the more intriguing titles this year at Cannes. When the film and its cast were announced earlier this year by Neon, which acquired world rights, the announcement went viral. And this evening in Cannes, the film received a hearty standing ovation following its debut screening in the Directors’ Fortnight competition. 

Shot on 35mm film in Nigeria, the film is a loose adaptation of  Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. The story follows Clarissa, a high-society woman in the throes of preparing to host a party at her home in Lagos, where she will unexpectedly encounter once-intimate friends from her youth. 

The official synopsis continues: “As the group reflects on their shared past over the course of a single night, memories of their intricate relationships, passionate love, hidden desires, and lost aspirations give rise to a bittersweet reckoning.” 

Starring in the pic are David Oyelowo (Selma), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), who has a supporting role. The film is led by Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) and India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte), who play the title character Clarissa at different ages. All were present at the screening this evening, excluding Edebiri. 

Introducing the film, Arie and Chuko spoke briefly, joking that they would leave longer speeches for their awards campaign. The duo thanked their many collaborators who “had a hand” in making the film happen. They also described the project as a welcome excuse for many of the cast, who have Nigerian ancestry, to return to the country. Following the screening, the audience in the Théâtre Croisette gave the film a lengthy standing ovation. 

Chuko Esiri penned the screenplay for Clarissa and produced alongside Arie Esiri, Theresa Park for Per Capita Productions, and Nicholas Weinstock for Invention Studios. Co-producers include Nina Gold and Thomas Bassett, and executive producers are Okonedo, Dolly Omodolapo Kola-Balogun, Osahon Okunbo, and Jason Reif.

Arie and Chuko Esiri are coming off their debut feature Eyimofe (This Is My Desire), which premiered in Berlin and went on to win five African Movie Academy Awards. The film was released by Janus Films and is now part of the Criterion Collection.

Neon International is also repping international sales on the title.

Cannes runs until May 23.