OSCAR-NOMINATED actress Sophie Okonedo has joined other professionals in a new short film that aims to highlight the plight of millions affected by oil spills in the Niger Delta, Nigeria.
The British-Nigerian actress, known for films such as Mrs. Mandela, The Secret Life of Bees and Hotel Rwanda, was among professionals who appeared in the two-minute film, called Livelihoods.
In one shocking moment, Okonedo appears to have oil or blood dripping from her lips.
Film creators human rights organisation Amnesty International said Livelihoods throws a spotlight on the devastating impact of oil pollution across the oil-rich Niger Delta region and how it has ruined the livelihoods of millions of local people.
Amnesty released the film on April 24, and also called on oil giant Shell to take responsibility for the fallout from several oil spills in the region.
It was at the start of a week of protests by thousands of people in the United Kingdom (UK) and around the world. They are calling for Royal Dutch Shell to finance a US$1 billion fund to begin the clean up in the region.
Amnesty also called on the UK public to sign its global petition calling for Shell to take action. "We are aiming for 10,000 signatures from the UK," Amnesty said.
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