Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim: ‘Forming ‘The King Woman’ Changed My Mindset Forever’

‘La mujer rey’ was a notable hit when it was released in the US. Critics and audiences alike received with great emotion a film that presents the story of the Amazons of Dahomey, a female military formation that defended the vanished African kingdom of Dahomey. Basically, the inspiration for the Dora Milaje from “Black Panther”. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, John Boyega, Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim, among many other names.

“I was struck by the way it coexists in an environment. Women help men and men help women.”indicates Boyega in an interview for eCartelera, “There is no conflict, they are more open to their similarities”. The actor, who plays King Ghezo of Dahomey during the colonialist invasion, explains the film’s big message. “What I want to highlight is the collaboration between everyone to make things work”exhibits.

Alongside the monarch is the Agojie warrior troop commanded by Nanisca (Davis). Two of his faithful companions are Izogie (Lynch) and Amenza (Atim). “Training required us to give our all”Atim says, “The shooting conditions, especially in the battle scenes, weren’t pleasant”. For his part, Lynch says: “Workout changed my mindset forever”.

Be authentic

It took director Prince-Bythewood more than 6 years to get the project off the ground. But before that there had already been a great deal of previous research and documentation work. “The main thing was to see the documents and understand where they came from, whose perspective it was”says the director, “There were things written from the point of view of the colonizers and you could tell by how these women were described, because it was very offensive”. Even so, he confesses that this process is something he enjoys: “It was fun because it’s a real culture. We’re not a documentary but we wanted to be as authentic as possible”.

The premiere of ‘The King Woman’ in theaters November 25.