Rise, the biographical sports film about the struggle of the immigrant Antetokounmpo family and the rise to fame of their three Nigerian-Greek brothers (Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas) who rose to fame within the National Basketball Association, will leave one teary-eyed. This backstory of Giannis Antetokunmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time Most Valuable Player, and his brother Thanasis, both winners of the 2021 NBA Championship, is compelling.

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Directed by Akin Omotoso, Rise was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released as a Disney Original Film on June 24, 2022. A story of how Charles and Veronica Adetokunbo (Antetokonmpo) left their eldest son in Nigeria to travel to Greece for a better life, their struggles with authorities and the stereotypical hardship faced by immigrants family, and how their children rose to become basketball most cherished story. The story telling and acting are captivating.  You all need to watch this movie.

Words by Sesan Adeniji – Instagram & Twitter – @sesanadeniji