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Jan. 18, 2024
Giannis Antetokounmpo and WhatsApp Partner for New Documentary Ugo: A Homecoming Story
Whatsapp will be working with NBA Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to release Ugo: A Homecoming Story, which is an original documentary that showcases to fans the Greek-Nigerian basketball player’s return to Nigeria for the first time. By: Dylan Low
The film is directed by Rick Famuyiwa, filmmaker of Dope and The Mandalorian, and will be accessible to watch on YouTube and in selected markets on Prime Video from January 16th onwards. It marks WhatsApp’s most recent feature-length documentary. The messaging service last released the 2022 short film Naija Odyssey. Both films explore concepts involving family bonds, cultural discovery and personal identity.
The title “Ugo” is derived from Antetokounmpo’s Nigerian birth name. The film shows an onlooker’s perspective of Antetokounmpo’s first visit back to his homeland, where he is joined by his mother, who emigrated from Nigeria to Greece 35 years ago. Together, they dive deeper into their family’s heritage and Nigerian traditions, reinforcing Antetokounmpo’s connection to his culture. Antetokounmpo plays for NBA team Milwaukee Bucks, noted by many to be one of the greatest power forwards in the sport’s history.
“Growing up
in Greece, my Nigerian culture was something my mother made sure we carried
with us, but I was never lucky enough to have a direct experience in my
homeland,” Antetokounmpo mentioned, “Thankfully WhatsApp helped me stay
connected to my family and roots, allowing me to create my own unique version
of heritage. To be able to travel back to where she was born, and build a new
Nigerian family, has been one of my most rewarding experiences, and only made
me more proud of the many cultures that make me who I am. I’m proud to share
this journey which I hope many around the world can connect to, showing us that
we all have a different meaning of ‘home,’ even when we’re far away from it.”
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