Author: Ikeade

Mami Wata has been charting its own course across the world, taking off at the prestigious Sundance Festival in January. The film boldly adopted a remarkable uncharacteristic trait along the way and dared for more, winning the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award: Cinematography for Lilis Soares’ efforts— it soared. For its feats and unending accomplishments, the journey of CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata is commendable for many reasons. One particular reason is the infectious success that transcends the Nigerian filmmaker, looking closely at the career trajectory that Obasi has had. It has been unhurried, intentional and filled with purpose,…

Netflix’s director of content for the Middle East and Africa, Ben Amadasun, announces a multi-title book partnership with South African-based Nigerian filmmaker Akin Omotoso and Ochre Media at the ongoing MIP Africa in Cape Town. While project details remain undisclosed, Ochre Media’s website hints at an exciting crime series adaptation of Nigerian playwright Femi Osofisan’s novel, “Pirates.” Every Book to Screen Adaptation in Nollywood A screenshot of Ochre Media’s website listing of Pirates Pirates is tagged as a thrilling crime series based on the 2009 same-name novel by Osofisan, to be adapted by Akin Omotoso and Andrew Dosunmu. The website…

Amidst the vibrant backdrop of the impending Second World African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) of 1977, a riveting drama unfolds as an embittered ex-serviceman is invited to join a movement poised to challenge the continent’s political status quo. Following the footsteps of its predecessor ’76, this sequel, ’77, reunites acclaimed talents Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, and director Izu Ojukwu, offering a continuation of historical intrigue. https://twitter.com/WKM_Up/status/1693927890180567302?s=20 Everything We Know About ‘Tarella’, The African Retelling of the Cinderella Story, So Far While we await more details, here is everything we know so far about 77: The Festac Conspiracy. The…

Can You See Us?, marking the first Zambian film on Netflix, is a tale that is inspired by a true life story. Rejected by his father at birth, a boy with albinism navigates a childhood of bullying, tragedy and cautious hope in this coming-of-age drama. Through a little boy, Joseph, who lives with albinism, the film highlights the many challenges he faces growing up and how music and love become his solace and strength to overcome. Directed by Kenny Roc Mumba, the film stars Ruthe Jule, Thabo Kaamba, Kohndwani Elliot Zulu, Robert Nyirenda (Big Rob), George Sikazwe As Older Joseph,…

Since we first saw stills of Seun Kuti and some young actors in No Man’s Land in 2021, it has been a long wait for excited viewers who are constantly looking forward to the next bit of news about this project. Looking back on Instagram posts ahead of this article, we found some more information than we previously knew: a traffic shootout scene should be looked forward to in the film. Directed by Blessing Uzzi, No Man’s Land is her feature film debut. Blessing Uzzi’s other efforts have been in the music video world, directing videos for Brother Shaggi, Waje,…

“I always wanted to tell an African Cinderella story, especially after research revealed the original narrative was based on a black (Egyptian) girl called Rhodopis,” revealed Lolo Eremie, the film’s producer, writer and co-director, in a statement on Instagram. Co-directed by Kayode Kasum, the production for Tarella has been completed for a while; even some eyes have had the opportunity to see it at festivals. While we await release details for the general audience, here is everything we know about the star-studded fairytale so far. Everything We Know About ‘Jagun Jagun’, Netflix’s Upcoming Yoruba Epic from the Makers of ‘King…

We were treated to a surprise film trailer last Friday, as Netflix announced the acquisition of Jagun Jagun, with a release date slated for August 10. Many have received the trailer positively and are excited about what the film holds, with the reactions praising the Yoruba cast and historical elements that were teased. Jagun Jagun, teasing a lot of action and emotion, follows a young man determined to become a powerful warrior as he joins an elite army, encountering the wrath of a maniacal warlord and the love of a fierce woman. Many might still be wondering what the project…

With the budget that brought The Black Book to life, we won’t be surprised if it goes directly for a streaming release. The high budget covered expenses such as transporting generators to Tarkwa Bay for night shooting, which Effiong proudly describes as “easily the most logistically advanced adventure ever done in the Nigerian film industry.” Furthermore, professionals from six different countries were involved in the project, including the UK, the US, and South Africa. The Black Book, starring Richard Mofe Damijo, Femi Branch, Ade Laoye and Ireti Doyle, is Editi Effiong’s feature-length directorial debut. Editi Effiong is known for producing…

Charles Okpeleke of Play Network, under his vision to tell historical-based Nigerian stories and make modern versions of Nollywood classics, charges forward with the production of Hijack ‘93, a film that will be based on the true life incident of October 1993. The real life hijack story hints at elements of the action, crime and political thriller genre. In production and still without a release date, here are all the details we have so far on Hijack ‘93 directed by Robert O. Peters. Play Network Studios’ Upcoming Projects: What We Know About Them So Far Story Hijack ‘93: The MAD…

Korede Azeez became a finalist in the Netflix-UNESCO African Folktales Reimagined competition about a year ago. She developed. She wrote. She directed. And she watched her conception come to life a few weeks ago. And I observed her interrupt her Ramadan social media break multiple times to engage with audience feedback as she also shared her retrospective thoughts on “Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice)”, signalling her critical nature, not shying away from putting her work under the lens. After that period of production and screening, possibly the most intense of her career so far, does she go again immediately or does…