With Difficulty Comes Ease will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on August 1st, 2024.
By Seyi Lasisi
Nigerian director, Korede Azeez’s anticipated With Difficulty Comes Ease will premiere on the popular streaming app, Amazon Prime Video. The film, which stars Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Caleb Richards, Ummi Baba–Ahmed, and Michelle Dede, will be available for streaming on August 1st, 2024.
With Difficulty Comes Ease explores the complexities of loss, tradition, and new beginnings using the story of Zainab, an Igbo–Ebira woman. Following her loss, the film explores Zainab’s strength, friendship, and indomitable human spirit amidst religious and cultural expectations and personal trials.
The film, which is a blend of English and Hausa language, was written and directed by Azeez. It was executively produced by BB Sasore, director of Breath of Life, AMVCA’s Best Movie of 2023. Sheriff Akinola Bakare acts as the producer, and co-producers, including Fulfillment “Fuchi” Nwaturuocha, Joshua Enakarhire, and Azeez.
The writer-director started her filmmaking journey with a short film, Tip of the Edge (2019). He Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice), her second short film, was part of the Netflix-UN Folktales Reimagined series. The initiative is the outcome of a ground-breaking competition flagged off in 2021 to support budding Sub-Saharan African filmmakers.
Six short films from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritania, and Nigeria received a $90,000 budget and mentorship from established filmmakers to bring their stories to life. It Blooms In June, her directorial debut feature, was produced by Steve Gukas’ Natives Filmworks under the First Features project.
While speaking about the film and its title, the director said, “With Difficulty Comes Ease isn’t just a title, it’s the essence of Zainab’s journey. An Igbo-Ebira woman once in a loving inter-tribal marriage, she’s now a widow, adrift in a sea of grief. This film isn’t just mine; it belongs to the countless women yearning to see themselves reflected on screen. It’s a love letter to women like Zainab, who with a quiet defiance, remain resilient, not just in the face of loss, but also in navigating the complexities of identity, faith, and societal expectations”.
The director said the film is a reminder that true ease often lies at the end of a difficult journey paved with self-discovery, unwavering will, and the courage to let go.
With Difficulty Comes Ease will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on August 1st, 2024.