Disney +: Rise, an Incredibly True Story of Three Brothers Who Became NBA Basketball Players

Რ About?

Nigerian immigrants who fled to Greece, Vera and Charles Antetokumpo, struggle daily to survive and meet the needs of their 5 children. Under the constant threat of deportation, the couple is making every effort to obtain Greek citizenship, but there are many administrative obstacles. When they do not sell small things to tourists on the streets of Athens, along with the rest of the family, their sons, Janis and Tanassis, at the encouragement of their father, take the opportunity to play basketball with the youth of the local team.

Without any real sports background, over the weeks they have developed great inclinations towards this discipline, trying to work even harder to become internationally renowned athletes, along with Brother Costa. In 2013, Janice was even spotted by an agent who persuaded her to sign up for an NBA attempt, which she did in a way she could not believe. That decision changed the lives of him and his entire family: Last year, Janis and Tanassis contributed to the Milwaukee Bucks first victory in half a century, replacing the Los Angeles Lakers, whose Costas joined the team the previous year.

Rise: The True Story of Antetocumpo, directed by Akin Omotoso and written by Arash Ameli Dayo Okeniyi, Uche Agada, Ral Agada, Yetide Badaki დომ Available at Disney +.

AlloCiné: What fascinated you about this project?

Akin Omotoso: I have always been a big fan of basketball and knew the fascinating history of Gianni Antetocumpo. It really exploded in 2015 and I thought it was the basketball movie I wanted to make. In 2019, I found myself in Los Angeles for other projects. To my surprise, I saw Janice on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine saying that Disney was going to make a movie about her life.

I have everything I immediately called my agent to make an appointment. I have been dreaming about this film for over six years, so I had a clear and perfect vision for this project. It took more than a year. But, I believe Disney touched on my 2016 film Vaia; I finally managed to meet their whole team and it was over. I was finally able to realize my dream with Rise. I think I convinced them because I was speaking from the heart. And of course, I kept this magazine with Jani on the cover on my nightstand.

Daio and Uche, how did you get into the shoes of these basketball heroes, Charles and John Antetocump?

Dayo Okeniyi (Charles): It took a long time to understand who they are and what a dramatic journey they took to become legends known to us today. There are quite a few of their videos on YouTube and this has allowed us to observe their movements and learn to imitate their focus. We even had the right to be a language coach so that we could imitate them perfectly.

Uche Agada (Giannis): I also watched a documentary I’m Gianni Nike that you can see Youtube. This helped me to better understand her. And of course, even though we are good at basketball, we took specific and intensive courses for more than two months before filming started. Some of their move and pass play is unique to them. So we have to learn to play like them.

Tell us about the challenge of making such a challenging film with spectacular basketball scenes?

Akin Omotoso: The biggest challenge was, as for many other plays, filming in the midst of a pandemic and the restrictions and caution it imposes. The most important thing for me was to be faithful to the history and reality of what Jeans and his family lived. They got involved in the production of the film and showed great support for us.

I really tried to be the most realistic and the most authentic with this fantastic and dramatic epic. It was magical to shoot in Athens, Greece, and especially on the same basketball court where Janis trained. Most of the other kits were also on the perimeters of the places where the family lived. These were emotional moments for everyone.

What are the messages of this movie?

Akin Omotoso: That you should always endure in life and never lose your dreams. This is also a film about inner strength, about faith that will guide us. In life, you must have blind faith in yourself, a complete belief in what you are created to achieve in order to achieve your goals. I hope this film inspires our young people to persevere and fight for their dreams.

Daio and Uche, why is this a passion for basketball? Finally, what is this movie about for you two?

Dayo Okeniyi: It is a family movie. And how they managed to survive together. Basketball has always been in our blood and this sport allows us to become someone, to find meaning in our lives.

Uche Agada: Yes, this is the message of the movie: Believe in yourself but also in others. Together, we are always stronger alone. Daio and I are brothers, it is a strong feeling that we are one, we know what that means. These two brothers managed to break through together and today they have become such recognized athletes. Their journey is so fascinating and perfect for inspiration on our way. It’s all about never giving up and always working harder. Daio and I grew up with a love of basketball. It’s in our veins and I do not think I can live without this sport.

Do you have any other basketball players that inspire you to admire, brothers Antetocumpo?

Uche Agada: To me, the one who gave me a passion for basketball was Dwayne Wade from the Miami Heat. I was always amazed by his explosive and ultra fast game. What an intensity on the pitch!

Dayo Okeniyi: As for me, I’m hypnotized by Cairy Irving, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets. I’m excited to see him collect incredible points after the basket.