Seeking a Hollywood Audience for a Nollywood Film

The film tells the story of an African-American cancer specialist in New York, Michael Durant, who seeks the assistance of an uncertified Nigerian doctor to save a young patient. The Nigerian doctor, an immigrant living in Brooklyn named Dr. Bello, administers the patient a secret African potion. But the unorthodox treatment leads to Dr. Durant’s suspension and Dr. Bello’s imprisonment for malpractice.

When Dr. Bello himself falls ill, Dr. Durant goes in search of a secret elixir, found only in the mountains of Nigeria, in a place called the “Garden of Life.”

Mr. Abulu hopes the film and its international story line would have special appeal for African-American audiences.

Alongside A-list Nollywood stars, including Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke, he cast several Hollywood actors, including Isaiah Washington, best known for “Grey’s Anatomy”; Vivica A. Fox (“Kill Bill” and “Independence Day,” among others); and Jimmy Jean-Louis (the NBC series “Heroes”).

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