Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp is entering the film world. On Monday, WhatsApp announced its first original short film "Naija Odyssey," which tells the story of NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens, Greece to Nigerian parents.

"Naija Odyssey" will premiere on Prime Video on September 21, 2022.

The three-minute short film marks another departure for WhatsApp: into entertainment, in a rather unusual venture for a social messaging app. Interestingly, though, unlike tech giant Apple's original content, "Naija Odyssey" seems rather a marketing ploy since Antetokounmpo recently signed an endorsement deal with WhatsApp, a first for the app.

According to Vivian Odior, WhatsApp's global head of marketing: "'Naija Odyssey' is a story that reinforces how WhatsApp helps us embrace our multifaceted lives. In navigating relationships, identity, and even adversity, WhatsApp is there — enabling you to embrace all sides of you by connecting you to those who matter most.

The short film serves as a reminder that WhatsApp can also help connect people with others but may have probably been done with the motive of WhatsApp to capitalise on the fame of Antetokounmpo. He was named the MVP of the NBA All-Star Game for Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.

According to Variety, the movie, which is 12 minutes in length, will be available on WhatsApp's social media accounts, including YouTube.