EMMY-nominated actress, comedian, and producer Yvonne Orji has signed on as an executive producer for the movie, The Fisherman.

The partnership was facilitated by her company, in & thru, and it will see her lend her creative vision to the award winning film.

 Written and directed by Zoey Martinson, The Fisherman, a whimsical comedy, made history as Ghana’s first movie to premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival in 2024, winning the Fellini Medal, Enrico Fulchignoni Prize from UNESCO. 

It is a story about Atta Oko, a retired traditional fisherman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he partners with a wise, yet sarcastic talking fish, whose purpose in Atta’s life is more than meets the eye. 

Together, they embark on an adventure from a village to the big city of Accra, joined by three rebellious youths, all pursuing their dream of owning a boat and gaining financial independence. 

Even though The Fisherman has not been officially released to cinemas, it’s already been shown at film festivals. 

Yvonne Orji, best known for her Emmy-nominated role on HBO’s Insecure, brings her skills in comedy and passion for storytelling to the project.

“Zoey is an extraordinary filmmaker with a distinct voice, and I’m honoured to champion her vision for The Fisherman.

 “As a first-generation, Nigerian immigrant, this story felt personal, yet relatable. It carries both emotional weight and cultural relevance, and I’m excited to support projects like these that push the narrative forward while spotlighting bold, underrepresented talent,” she said.

The Fisherman features Ricky Adelayitar (Beasts of No Nation), Endurance Grand, William Lamptey, Kiki Romi, Adwoa Akoto  (I May Destroy You) and Dulo Harris  of Tales From The Big Apple fame. 

 The film is produced by Luu Vision Media, with Kofi Owusu Afriyie and Korey Jackson (Godfather of Harlem) part of the production.

Yvonne Orji is a comedian, actress, writer, producer and author. She has starred in films as Vacation and The Blackening. 

 She’s also released two HBO standup specials: A Whole Me and Momma, I Made It. 

In 2021, she also wrote her first book, Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams.