Cohen Media Group has bought U.S. distribution rights to “Lady,” the debut feature from Nigerian-born writer-director Olive Nwosu, being sold by HanWay Films.

The acquisition follows the film’s world premiere in the World Dramatic Cinema Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award for best ensemble cast, and its European premiere at the 2026 Berlinale.

The deal was negotiated by Jessica Lacy at Gersh and Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, on behalf of the filmmakers and Robert Aaronson, EVP of Cohen Media Group

Starring Jessica Gabriel, Amanda Oruh, Tinuade Jemiseye, Bucci Franklin, and Seun Kuti, “Lady” charts one young woman’s quest for sisterhood and freedom.

Set in the restless night of Lagos, where one of the city’s few female cab drivers, Lady, survives by staying tough and focused. She dreams of escape, saving her earnings for a new life far from the chaos of this Nigerian metropolis. But when long-lost childhood friend, Pinky – now a sex worker – returns with a burst of colour and trouble, Lady is pulled reluctantly into her orbit. Soon she’s driving a crew of glamorous, reckless, fun-loving women through the underbelly of Lagos nightlife.

“We’re proud and grateful to champion a new and exciting international voice in cinemas to American audiences,” said Robert Aaronson, EVP of Cohen Media Group. “Olive and her Sundance-winning cast illuminate the personal and political with impressive depth and specificity, while showing us their vibrant world with fun and incredible music.”

An alumna of the Sundance Lab, Nwosu spent time with Nigerian sex workers to ensure an authentic portrayal of the community. The film features a soundtrack of contemporary African jazz and dance music, blending tracks from local artists like EDAOTO and Deto Black with diaspora voices including Little Simz, Obongjayar, and BANTU.

“Lady” is a U.K. and Nigerian production developed with Film4 and financed by the BFI (awarding National Lottery Funding), Film4, and Screen Scotland, alongside Level Forward and Amplify Capital. Level Forward, will also be servicing “Lady’s” community distribution and the film’s impact campaign. The film was produced by Ossian International (Alex Polunin), Good Gate (John Giwa-Amu), and Stella Nwimo. Co-producers are Adé Sultan Sangodoyin and Jamiu Shoyode of Lagos-based Emperium Films.