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EXCLUSIVE: NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s new indie is forging a documentary about the longest-serving British player in NFL history, who was a victim of human trafficking.
Along with All3Media-owned North One Television, Improbable Media‘s as-yet-untitled movie will tell the incredible true story of the life of Efe Obada, who joined the Dallas Cowboys nearly a decade ago and played for the Washington Commanders in 2023.
At 10-years-old, Obada and his older sister were sent by their mother to the UK, believing she was giving them a better life, but ultimately became part of the millions of people worldwide trapped in the world of human trafficking. Abandoned and living illegally in South London, Obada overcame the area’s notorious gang culture and eventually found American football at the age of 21. An inaugural member of the NFL’s International Pathway Program for foreign players, the defensive end would go on to play in his first NFL game less than four years after picking up the sport.
The doc will see Obada tell his story and share first-hand perspectives for the first time.
“I purposely have never told my story in its entirety before, preferring to focus on my development as a player, but the time has come for me to properly address what I’ve gone through,” he said. “Through this project, I hope to help others who may have gone through or currently are experiencing similar circumstances.”
Improbable CEO Jonathan Stern added: “Efe Obada’s journey overcoming insurmountable odds to succeed at the summit of football is exactly the kind of story Improbable Media seeks to shine a light on. We look forward to working together to properly share with the world his story and combat the evils suffered by millions of children worldwide.”
Antetokounmpo launched Improbable earlier this year with former basketball player Jay Williams to create “groundbreaking content which provokes conversation, champions the underdog and inspires commitment to self, family, and community.” Improbable is backed by Verance Capital and GPS Investment Partners, with investment from Williams.
Antetokounmpo plays for the Milwaukee Bucks and is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Improbable is making the doc with North One, which was behind Disney+’s Keanu Reeves-helmed F1 show Brawn and recently moved into drama.