The Woman King movie is based on the fascinating and little-known history of the Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful ancient West African kingdom located within modern-day Benin. The movie presents powerful acting skills from top cast Viola Davis · Nanisca ; Thuso Mbedu · Nawi ; Lashana Lynch · Izogie ; Sheila Atim · Amenza ; John Boyega · King Ghezo. The Dahomey were renowned as a highly militaristic society, constantly organized and prepared for warfare in order to defend themselves against foreign invasions and being captured into slavery. In addition, historic accounts tell us that the Agojie – one of the most powerful factions within the kingdom – were particularly skilled in trading extensively with European merchants throughout 1840 to 1870, most notably for their famous palm oil.
Despite these historic accomplishments, there are some aspects of this story that don’t seem to add up. The story presented in the movie seems quite contradictory at first glance; on one hand, we are told that the Agojie women played an active role in the slave trade, which goes against their reputation as fierce warriors and defenders of their homeland against foreign invasion. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that The Woman King tells us only half of the story. The true history of this powerful kingdom Dahomey remains largely unclear or obscured by time. Whatever the case may be, but one thing is certain – The Woman King offers an intriguing glimpse into a complex and forgotten world full of surprising historical twists and turns from African history.
When Lupita Nyong’o decided to step away from the film, she may not have realized just how significant her decision was. After all, as an award-winning actress and a prominent voice in the movement for greater diversity in Hollywood, Lupita is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in modern cinema. However, Lupita’s decision was motivated by something far bigger than just herself or even filmmaking: it came in response to her own discovery about the Agojie – Warrior Women.
Lupita’s interest in these powerful women began after she took on a lead role in the movie, then she decided to make a short documentary about the Agojie women. While doing research for this project, Lupita heard claims that the Agoji women had also been involved in selling slaves – something that conflicted with her own ideals of strong, independent women fighters. This discovery made Lupita feel deeply conflicted about her role in the movie and compelled her to make the difficult decision to step away from the project altogether.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o opened up about why she decided to step away from “The Woman King”. She noted that she was initially drawn to the project due to its portrayal of powerful women, and saw it as a great opportunity to tell an empowering story. However, as she began working on the film, Lupita realized that certain aspects of the story did not resonate with her. Specifically, Lupita felt puzzled with how the film depicted the Agojie women as both fierce defenders and complicit in the slave trade.
When Lupita Nyong’o decided to step away from the film, she was driven by a desire to learn more about the Agoji women, the warrior women who had come to represent much of her childhood fascination with Africa. What Lupita discovered shocked and disappointed her: that the Agojie women, who were revered as fierce and independent defenders of their homeland, had also help facilitate slavery, but they also fought off invading hordes. The information concludes that the victims of slavery were also a threat at the same time to themselves which appears impractical.
Given this contradiction in their legacy, it is little wonder that Lupita’s discovery may spark renewed interest in reconnecting with Africa’s past. Many people have been calling on Africans to take control of their own stories in recent years, writing them from an uncensored perspective as a result of centuries of invasion, slavery, colonialism, and war. With Lupita’s documentary bringing these issues to light, ultimately, her experience underscores the importance for Black people to start writing their own stories. But now more than ever, to promote authentic representation both behind and in front of the camera.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClwjAliDhG7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
