I always love when superhero tales, movies, and comics are inspired by actual mythology like Marvel’s Thor and Norse mythology or Marvel’s Calypso and Caribbean mythology. So, when I heard about Oya: Rise of the Orishas via Black Girl Nerds I had to check it out and share it with you guys.
It’s not a new film, but you know how these things go. Sometimes it takes time for a film to make its way through the grapevine when it comes to awareness. I certainly hadn’t heard of it until yesterday. According to Okayafrica, Oya was to start principal photography for a feature length film last year but Igbenidion’s site doesn’t have any information in that regard.
From what I’ve seen, the film looks good, but of course, you can rely on a full review from us later. Written, directed, and produced by Nosa Igbenidion, Oya: Rise of the Orishas is your classic superhero tale about good vs. evil. In Igbenidion’s film, the good guys are actual deities from Africa’s Yoruba religion called Orishas, gods that are manifestations of the All Father. If you grew up in the Caribbean or in certain countries in Latin America like me, some of these deities are familiar as they are part of the hybridization of religion and culture that took place as a result of the transatlantic slave trade.
It all starts with the kidnapping of a young girl named Rebecca. Check out the full movie below:
Synopsis for Oya: Rise of the Orishas:
This project is based on the inspired by the ancient African deities known as Orixa and traditions of Yoruba people as well as Candomble, Santeria and Umbanda among others.
THE SYNOPSIS
Disconnected from the natural essence of Orixa.
Fuelled by hate, war and destruction. This world teeters on chaos.This world needs change. This world needs Oya: Orisha of the hurricane, goddess of the wind. Step into her world, as Oya goes on a mission to stop a lunatic, intent on killing an innocent.
If change is to come. Evil must be defeated. The Orisha must rise.
Watch it and tell us what you think!