Netflix is doubling down on its investment in Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, by collaborating with prominent Nigerian filmmakers for a slate of new projects set to premiere in the final quarter of 2024. This marks a significant milestone in the platform’s continued focus on celebrating Nigerian storytelling while entertaining both local and global audiences with authentic, diverse narratives.
Working with celebrated filmmakers such as Charles Okpaleke, Femi Adebayo, Clarence Peters, Omoni Oboli, and Zeb Ejiro, Netflix’s new releases span various genres and themes, showcasing the depth of Nigeria’s rich cinematic culture.
New Nollywood Projects Coming to Netflix in Late 2024
In honor of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Netflix is set to release five major projects, each exploring different facets of the Nigerian experience:
- ‘Hijack 93’ (October 25, 2024) – A gripping thriller based on true events surrounding the hijacking of a Nigerian plane by four young men protesting the annulled 1993 elections. This film, produced by Play Network Studios, the creators of Blood Vessel and Glamour Girls, features an all-star cast including Nancy Isime, Sharon Ooja, Jemima Osunde, Idia Aisen, and John Dumelo. As one of the most anticipated films of the year, Hijack 93 sheds light on a critical moment in Nigeria’s political history.
- ‘Inside Life’ (October 11, 2024) – A Netflix original series that offers a thrilling exploration of societal and personal struggles, available exclusively in Africa.
- ‘Domitilla’ (November 8, 2024) – A highly anticipated drama revisiting the beloved classic Domitilla film, featuring a new generation of storytelling that touches on contemporary social issues.
- ‘Sisi London’ (November 29, 2024) – A humorous and heartwarming look at the lives of Nigerians in the diaspora, this film is set to engage both local and international audiences.
- ‘Seven Doors’ (December 13, 2024) – A psychological thriller that delves into mysterious occurrences, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Netflix’s Dedication to Nigerian Storytelling
Netflix’s renewed focus on Nollywood aligns with its goal to remain a premier destination for Nigerian storytelling. Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s Vice President of Content for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the importance of showcasing Nigerian culture and history through film. He highlighted the platform’s commitment to acquiring and producing diverse, high-quality titles from the country’s best talent.
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Amadasun stated, “It is essential to us that Netflix remains the premier destination for the best in Nigerian storytelling for our members in Nigeria. We aim to continue celebrating the country’s rich and vibrant culture and history by acquiring a variety of exciting, licensed titles from Nigeria’s best filmmaking talent.”
Hijack 93: A Story That Needs to Be Told
One of the standout projects, ‘Hijack 93’, is a film inspired by the true story of the 1993 plane hijacking in Nigeria, an event that stemmed from political unrest following the annulled presidential election. The film is produced by Charles Okpaleke, who spoke about the importance of preserving and telling historic Nigerian stories.
“Such historic events that are part of the spine of our democracy tend to dissolve before the next generation has knowledge of it. As a filmmaker, my focus is telling our true African stories for the world to see,” said Okpaleke.
Netflix Expands Aníkúlápó Series
Alongside its new releases, Netflix has renewed the highly successful series ‘Aníkúlápó’ for a second season. Originally produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan, the series has already made waves globally, reaching number 1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list after its release. Filming for the second season has commenced in Ibadan and Ghana, with key cast members Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, and Lateef Adedimeji returning, along with new additions including Antar Laniyan, Joke Muyiwa, and Saidi Balogun.
This season of Aníkúlápó will explore the historical realities of the slave trade in Africa, highlighting the deep connections between Portugal, Ghana, and Nigeria. The project exemplifies Netflix’s commitment to showcasing stories that reflect the intricate history and culture of the continent.
The Future of Nollywood on Netflix
As Netflix continues to deepen its investment in Nollywood, the platform is creating new opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers to reach a global audience. By offering a diverse lineup of films and series, Netflix is not only celebrating Nigerian heritage but also providing a platform for the country’s filmmakers to share authentic African stories on a global scale.
The company’s strategy of releasing new, original content alongside acquiring licensed projects ensures that Netflix remains the go-to destination for Nigerian storytelling. The collaboration with top Nigerian filmmakers, coupled with the continued success of series like Aníkúlápó, demonstrates Netflix’s long-term commitment to promoting Nollywood as a key player in global cinema.
As the platform continues to expand its footprint in Africa, the future looks bright for both Netflix and Nollywood, offering viewers around the world a deeper appreciation for the rich stories that Nigeria has to offer.
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