We recently discovered a long list of Nigerian titles leaving Netflix, which raised important questions: where are all these titles going now? Will they become lost media? Part of this question has been answered by a new category launched by Circuits, which we’ll explore further in this article.
Apart from the obvious YouTube route, which viewers have also suggested, these are new channels through which filmmakers can start exploring to distribute their films, and platforms where audiences can expect to start finding Nigerian films.
These internal distribution efforts have been grouped into streaming platforms, theatrical format, and other related efforts.
Streaming and Digital Efforts
Circuits
Launched in December 2024, Circuits operates as a virtual cinema that offers a pay-per-view option for Nollywood titles globally. It’s neither ad-supported nor subscription-based; instead, films are rented individually for flexible viewing windows. Circuits integrates Digital Rights Management and anti-piracy technology, and in July introduced exclusive features like Flexiwatch, a 30-day free access to older Nollywood titles, broadening the options for digital distribution. The streaming platform has also been home to Souleymane’s Story, an African-themed title and plans to acquire and distribute more African titles as they go along.
Kava
Inkblot Studios, known most recently for its post-theatrical streaming deal with Prime Video, and Filmhouse Group, known for operating West Africa’s largest cinema chain and production and distribution companies, have come together to create Kava, a global platform focused on Nigerian and African stories for both local and diaspora audiences.
Kava will launch with over 30 titles, including exclusive post-theatrical releases and classic films across drama, romance, comedy, thriller, and epic genres. New content will be added weekly including short films. The platform will be available worldwide from late August 2025 in over 190 countries, accessible on mobile devices, tablets, and Smart TVs. Teased titles available include Owambe Thieves, A Lagos Love Story, Kambili, and Alakada: Bad & Boujee.
Speaking at the press conference, Head of Content Acquisition for Kava, Ladun Awobokun, emphasized the platform’s mission to provide opportunities for all Nigerian and African creatives, regardless of the format in which their work is produced. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table, so it’s not just big films that are going to be there. We want to make sure that every voice is represented on the platform,” she said.
Play Network’s Digital Cinema
Play Network Studios has announced the approval of a license from the National Film and Video Censors Board to operate a digital cinema in Nigeria. According to CEO Charles Okpaleke via his Instagram page, the new digital cinema will allow viewers to enjoy a 360-degree cinema experience on demand, anytime and anywhere.
The first product under this license is a set of world-class VR lenses, designed specifically for the African market. Okpaleke noted that the lenses will roll out in the coming months and are equipped with eye sensor activation technology to prevent piracy.
“We understand the African market and are creating a tailor-made product that will meet the needs of the African people,” Okpaleke stated.
EbonyLife ON Plus
Mo Abudu announced EbonyLife ON Plus, an upcoming streaming platform offering access to Nollywood films and series. The service will succeed EbonyLife’s earlier VOD platform and is designed to host in-house and licensed content while retaining direct distribution control. EbonyLife also operates EbonyLife Place in Lagos, which opened in 2019, featuring cinemas, event spaces, and hospitality services. EbonyLife Place London is scheduled to open in Q4 2025 and will consist of screening facilities and event spaces to reach diaspora audiences.
Beyond streaming, EbonyLife ON Plus positions itself as a lifestyle and empowerment hub, offering tools, events and resources to support learning and personal growth. Members can shop African-inspired fashion, art, etc and access monthly masterclasses with Mo Abudu. The platform also intends to offer digital books, expert sessions on finance, tech, and innovation, and exclusive giveaways ranging from luxury dinners to tech gadgets. Users gain access to members-only podcasts, virtual meet-ups with Nollywood stars, and an annual flagship masterclass with Mo Abudu in Lagos or London. Early joiners will receive priority invitations, exclusive gifts, and VIP access to select events, with an affordable annual membership price to be announced soon.
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Theatrical Efforts
FilmHub Community Cinemas
Fusion Intelligence, the software company behind Reach Cinema Solutions – a cinema ticketing and operations platform used across West Africa – created FilmHub to drive community cinema efforts in Nigeria. As part of this initiative, the company has established its first community cinema in Ojo, Lagos, using low-cost setups. The pilot site, located in Navy Town, screened Wives on Strike 3 in May 2025, and according to Nollywire, earned over ₦400,000 in 10 days.
FilmHub plans to establish up to 1,000 sites with digital ticketing and same-day revenue settlement for rights owners. Recently, the company partnered with Cafe One to screen Red Circle from August 1 across four Cafe One locations outside Lagos, including Uyo, Enugu, Kaduna, and Owerri. Additional films are expected to follow throughout August as FilmHub expands its reach. Under Fusion Intelligence, platforms like Convoy, a secure platform that protects films so they can be shown safely anywhere, have also been established.
Nile Cinemas & Ojaja Cinemas
In 2024, Moses Babatope launched Nile Media Entertainment, which includes Nile Cinemas and Nile X Luxury Cinemas. Nile acquired THC Cinemax Ogba and Royal Roots Ikota, becoming the fifth-largest cinema chain in West Africa. Nile also manages Ojaja Cinemas, operated with the Ooni of Ife. Sites include Ile-Ife and Akure, with a target of 1,000 screens nationwide.
Mo Abudu & Nile Media Luxury Cinema Pods
In August 2024, Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Cinemas and Moses Babatope’s Nile Media Entertainment Group announced a joint initiative to launch a high-end cinema format across West Africa, named The Pods. This concept involves up to ten private viewing suites each year, aimed at reaching a total of fifty pods over five years.
Each pod is designed as a private, intimate suite with reclining seats, enhanced audio-visual systems, and concierge service. Films are curated specifically for this format. Bukky George‑Taylor, Vice President of Nile’s cinema division, stated that the pods are intended to offer personalised, premium viewing that combines cinematic and gourmet experiences.
These distribution efforts aim to diversify Nollywood’s revenue sources at a time when international streaming opportunities are reducing. While some of the efforts enable direct access to local and diaspora audiences, the community cinemas expand reach into areas without existing multiplexes or malls, while luxury cinemas and cultural hubs target higher-income audiences.
However, the continuous launch of new streaming platforms raises important questions, such as how inclusive, scalable and commercially viable these pathways will be.
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