Emmy-Winning ‘Madu’ Premieres On ARISE News Saturday, October 4

Disney’s Emmy Award-winning documentary Madu, fresh from its historic win, will premiere on ARISE News on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 18:00 WAT, through a special partnership between ARISE Play and Disney.

The documentary, which tells the extraordinary story of 12-year-old Nigerian ballet dancer Anthony Madu, will also have a repeat broadcast on Sunday, October 5, at 19:00 WAT.

The moving documentary, produced in partnership with Disney Original Documentary, follows Anthony’s journey from the dusty streets of Lagos, where a viral video first brought him international attention, to his training at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in the United Kingdom. Madu captures his struggles, triumphs, and the resilience that carried him from obscurity to the world stage, shining a spotlight on Nigerian talent and perseverance.

Directed by Matt Ogens and Joel ‘Kachi Benson, and produced by Jamie Patricof, Katie McNeill, and Rachel Halilej of Hunting Lane, Madu has captivated audiences at festivals worldwide, including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, AFI New African Film Festival, and iRepresentation International Film Festival in Lagos.

The film recently made history by winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary at the 2025 News and Documentary Emmys — marking the first time a Nigerian has received an Emmy in a non-news category.

Speaking about the project, the directors described the film as “a journey of discovery, growth, and belonging,” noting that giving Anthony a global platform was both an honour and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

With its international acclaim, the documentary has been hailed as a celebration of hope, discipline, and the power of dreams. Its broadcast on ARISE Play marks a significant homecoming moment, bringing Anthony’s inspiring story back to Nigerian audiences.

Viewers across Nigeria and beyond can stream Madu exclusively via ARISE Play, cementing ARISE Media’s role in championing impactful stories that reflect African excellence.