The Fisherman Cast Opens Up on The Lunchroom: From Deep Sea Dreams to Deep Personal Grief

It was an emotional and engaging episode of The Lunchroom this week as host GrandPrince Ita sat down with the creative team behind the highly anticipated film, The Fisherman. Filmmaker Director Zoe was joined by actors Endurance Grand, Rick Ade Layitar, and William Lamptey for a conversation that delved into the film’s message, the emotional toll of storytelling, and the cultural bond that unites the cast, ending, of course, with the lighthearted Nigeria vs. Ghana Jollof rice debate. Director Zoe clarified that despite its title, The Fisherman is not a story about the sea but about dreams, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose against all odds. “Forget the hook and line,” she said. “This film is pure heart, a testament to resilience, the power of a dream, and the enduring human spirit. Every character is fighting for something bigger than themselves.” For Endurance Grand, taking on her first major leading role was both challenging and transformative. She described the process as “intensely demanding but deeply rewarding,” crediting the film for pushing her to discover new emotional depths as an actor. Her co-star Rick Ade Layitar shared a deeply personal story that touched everyone in the studio. The actor revealed he was dealing with the loss of his brother when he joined the project, and that the experience became a crucial part of his healing journey. “Acting in The Fisherman was therapy for me,” he admitted. “It allowed me to channel my grief into something meaningful and find peace through the character.” The discussion also took a lighter turn when William Lamptey, who is visiting Nigeria for the first time, praised the country’s “overwhelming energy, infectious creativity, and incredible warmth.” Naturally, the conversation soon drifted to the long-standing culinary rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana. With Endurance Grand being of both Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage, she found herself hilariously stuck in the middle as her co-stars playfully defended their countries’ versions of Jollof rice. Wrapping up the conversation, Director Zoe encouraged audiences to experience the story for themselves, describing The Fisherman as a film that will inspire viewers to never give up on their dreams.