According to director Gina Prince-Bythewood, “The Queen exists because of Black Panther.”

Previewed at the recent Toronto Film Festival, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s feature The King Woman hits our darkrooms this Wednesday.

Inspired by the true story of Agogje, nicknamed the “Amazons of Dahomey” in reference to the warriors of Greek mythology, the feature film tells the story of this group of warriors who defended the kingdom of Dahomey in 19th century South Africa. West. Their prowess and fury have never been matched.

The film stars Viola Davis (The Killing), Tuso Mbedu (Underground), Lashana Lynch (The Dying Can Wait), Sheila Atimi (Doctor Strange 2) and John Boyega (Star Wars), who plays King Gezo. AlloCiné spoke to the feature film team.

The Woman King marks a turning point in Hollywood history as it is the first action film entirely directed by a woman of color. For actress Tuso Mbedu, who plays the young heroine, the female king is “An special film (…), which will have a great impact in the years to come.”

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood adds:“Black Panther” allowed “Queen Woman” to happen. With its incredible success, Ryan Coogler’s film changed perceptions and was a game changer in Hollywood. The existence of The Woman King in Hollywood is a miracle, and if this film is successful, it will open the door for other stories in this genre..”

The story of Agojie and their creation is very cinematic, although the latter has never been brought to the screen before. Of course, Marvel was inspired by these warriors to create the Dora Milaje, a group of Amazons from Wakanda in Black Panther, but the real Amazons of Dahomey have yet to be allowed their own story.

Gina Prince-Bythewood herself admits that she had never heard of these women before being offered to direct the film. The latter explains it by the studios’ lack of interest in other cultures.

For her part, Lashana Lynch hopes that this film will open the minds of the little ones and make them want to learn more about these women and African history. For Sheila Atimi, The Woman King makes it possible to look past the gaps and discover a part of history that we know little about: “I think that’s really the power of what we’re doing, getting these stories out there. And say, “Wait, you forgot that part. And this is also important, we need to know more.”

The feature film opens in theaters today.

teaser