In the new trailer for Netflix’s latest film, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, you might be attracted to the film for Chiwetel Ejiofor, but you’re definitely going to stay for Maxwell Simba. This young actor captivates as the ingenious boy who captures the power of wind energy to help his Malawi village survive during a famine.

The film is Ejiofor’s directorial debut as well as Simba’s acting debut. As we’ve reported previously, the film is based on the true story of a boy named William Kamkwamba, who is thrown out of school once his family can’t pay the fees anymore. At the same time, his village is facing famine from heat and drought. Moved to save his home, William sneaks back into the school library to use the remains of his father’s bicycle to create a windmill which saves his village.

“The emotional journey of a father and his exceptional son at its heart, William’s tale captures the incredible determination of a boy whose inquisitive mind overcame every obstacle in his path,” states the description. “Key themes from the film aim to raise awareness around environmental sustainability and the power of education.”

The film also stars Lily Banda, Noma Dumezweni, Aissa Maiga, Joseph Marcell and Lemogang Tsipa.

The trailer showcases Netflix’s leveling up as it attracts bigger names such as Ejiofor, who has appeared in big titles such as Netflix’s Doctor Strange. It also shows how powerful Netflix is becoming in Hollywood by providing users with a bevy of theatrical films for merely a fraction of the price (and without the hassle of the movie theater itself).

READ MORE:

First-Look At Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Directorial Debut, ‘The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind’

Chiwetel Ejiofor Adapting William Kamkwamba’s ‘The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind’

Lemogang Tsipa

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week