Film Festival shows Clarissa
Friday 13 November
A lavish party, a summer’s day and the memories of a past that refuses to stay buried form the backdrop to Clarissa, a sumptuous reworking of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, screening at this year’s CineCity film festival.
Transplanting Woolf’s celebrated novel from 1920s London to contemporary Lagos, the film follows Clarissa as she prepares for a lavish party in the grounds of her home. As she waits for her guests to arrive, time slips between the present and a previous summer, prompting her to reconsider the events that have shaped her life.
Starring names including Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo and Ayo Edebiri, the film brings together a stellar cast. Talented Okonedo takes centre stage as Clarissa, with Oyelowo (Selma, A United Kingdom) and Edebiri (The Bear) among the ensemble. India Amarteifio also stars.
Directed by twin brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri, in both English and Nigerian Pidgin, with some English subtitles, Clarissa is their second feature following their acclaimed debut Eyimofe (This Is My Desire). The film offers a dreamy evocation of modern Nigeria, while exploring the restrictions society places on individuals and the price of following convention rather than personal desire.
Variety’s Jessica Kiang praised the film’s “surprisingly successful transplantation” of Woolf’s novel from London to Lagos, describing Okonedo as “radiant with melancholy” at the heart of a remarkably well-cast ensemble.
Clarissa screens at Depot in Lewes on Friday 13 November at 8.15pm as part of CineCity, Brighton’s annual celebration of independent and international cinema.
Details
Clarissa – film at Lewes Depot. Part of CINECITY THE BRIGHTON FILM FESTIVAL – ADVENTURES IN WORLD CINEMA
Films, talks and special events from 6-15 NOV 2026.
Date: Friday 13th November / 8.15pm
Duration: 134 mins
Venue: Screenings at the Depot cinema, Lewes. Check website for details.
Tickets: Book online direct from each venue – details on Cinecity website. Book online.
