“Tarella: Princess of the Nile” is a 2025 Nigerian film that reimagines the classic Cinderella story within a mythical West African kingdom. Directed by Lolo Eremie and Kayode Kasum, the movie features Timini Egbuson as Prince Nosa and Okawa Shaznay as Tarella, an orphaned maiden. The narrative follows their journey as they navigate numerous obstacles in their quest for true love.
In the mystical Kingdom of Akpojotor, where tradition and magic mixes, a young maiden named Tarella grows up under the cruel watch of her stepmother, Madam Omorinsola. Once the beloved daughter of a noblewoman, Tarella’s life takes a dark turn when her mother passes away, leaving her at the mercy of a jealous and power-hungry woman who seeks to erase any trace of Tarella’s noble lineage.
Forced into slavery in her own home, Tarella’s only companions are the warm memories of her mother and the enchanted lullabies she used to sing. But fate has other plans when Prince Nosa, the heir to the Akpojotor throne, returns from his studies in a distant land. The prince, under pressure to find a bride before his coronation, announces a grand festival where maidens from across the kingdom will compete for his heart.
With her stepmother scheming to have her own daughter wed to the prince and the royal court skeptical of his unconventional choice, Tarella must summon the courage to fight for her destiny. But will love be enough to overcome the forces conspiring against her?
As the story unfolds, Tarella: Princess of the Nile reimagines the timeless Cinderella tale with a unique African twist, weaving elements of magic, fate, and the resilience of the human spirit into a visually stunning and emotionally gripping adventure.
The film also stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chioma Idigo, Elvina Ibru, Ummi Baba-Ahmed, Rebecca Nengi Hampson, Gideon Okeke, and child actor Ellyssa. “Tarella” premiered in cinemas on February 7, 2025, and has been showcased at various film festivals prior to its official release.
