Backline is a new sports drama from NBA star Joel Embiid’s production company, Miniature Géant, in collaboration with Lebron James’ athlete empowerment brand, Uninterrupted. This feature film will focus on the journey of African athletes breaking into professional American football, inspired by the real-life experiences of current NFL players.

Backline tells the story of two Nigerian friends striving to achieve their dreams of playing professional football in America. Directed and written by Editi Effiong (The Black Book), the film will begin production in 2025, with filming scheduled to take place in both Nigeria and the United States.

Effiong expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that Backline is about the resilience of the human spirit, friendship, and hope. He emphasized the importance of telling the athletes’ stories and is thrilled to have Embiid, Miniature Géant, and Uninterrupted on board to bring this project to life.

Miniature Géant, founded by Embiid in partnership with The SpringHill Company—an entertainment entity created by James and Maverick Carter—focuses on telling stories of individuals who have pursued unconventional paths to success. Embiid’s journey from Cameroon to the NBA exemplifies the type of narratives the studio aims to produce.

Executive producers of Backline include two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora, Editi Effiong, and Anakle Films. The project is represented by 3Point0 Labs, while Embiid, Miniature Géant, and The SpringHill Company are represented by WME/WME Sports.