One of our key observations at the recent FilmOne Showcase is the range of new voices on the slate of films. They include five movies from filmmakers making either their directorial debut or theatrical debut as producers.
Leading the slate is Bluhouse Studios’ Call of My Life, directed by Dammy Twitch. This is Twitch’s first feature after years of directing music videos for Afrobeats stars. The romance story follows a woman who works in a call centre and must face her fears to find love again. Starring Uzoamaka Power (who also writes the script in her feature film writing debut), Andrew Bunting, Zubby Michael, Justin UG, Beverly Osu, Nkem Owoh, and Patience Ozokwor, Call of My Life also marks Bluhouse’s sophomore theatrical release after Freedom Way in 2025. Call of My Life opens in cinemas May 15.
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Following her 2012 film Arinzo, veteran actress Iyabo Ojo makes her theatrical directorial debut with The Return of Arinzo. Ojo reunites with Funke Akindele, fresh off Behind The Scenes. Also starring Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, William Benson, Juma Jux, and Priscilla Ojo, the sequel continues the story of Arinzo, a notorious figure whose actions have had adverse consequences on the lives of those around her. Ojo’s first directorial effort was in 2024, for Between Lies, a direct-to-YouTube release. The Return of Arinzo premieres April 3 in cinemas nationwide.
Fatimah Binta Gimsay lands another FilmOne deal with Black Market, her theatrical directorial debut. In February, Gimsay secured a distribution deal with Kava to platform the first set of short films on the streaming service with #Messy, a collection of her shorts; Ijo, Fine Girl and Laraba and Baralabe. In collaboration with FilmOne Studios, Black Market will be produced by Nora Awolowo’s Rixel Studios, another fairly new production company at the commercial box office. Their first outing was with the 2025 crime thriller Red Circle, grossing over 100 million Naira at the box office. Screenwriter Abdul-Tijani Ahmed is attached to the project as the writer. Black Market is tentatively set for release in Q4 2026.
Another relatively new filmmaker on the lineup is producer Dolly Nwaduba with her debut theatrical film, A Spark in the Dark, with Akay Mason as director. During the showcase, Nwaduba was overjoyed at being given the platform to show her film. The romance drama eyes an April 24 release, starring Blossom Chukwujekwu, Gideon Okeke, Daniel Etim-Effiong, and Tope Olowoniyan in a drama about a relationship being threatened by an accident. Nwaduba was recently selected as one of 5 filmmakers for the Goes to Cannes initiative.
Chukwuka ‘ChukySmiles’ Ndife makes not only his theatrical debut with Blood Debt, he also wears the directorial cap for the first time with the project. According to Ndife, the journey toward distribution began when the team showcased a teaser at last year’s AFRIFF Film and Content Market. The presentation caught the attention of FilmOne CEO Kene Okwuosa, leading to further discussions and eventually a distribution agreement with FilmOne. Inspired by historical events, Blood Debt follows Superintendent Danjuma Okoro as he investigates a series of grisly murders targeting corrupt politicians and former vigilantes. Starring Patrick Diabuah, Uzoamaka Power, Jide-Kene Achufusi, Tony Umez, and Segun Arinze, the crime thriller premieres June 19th.
For these filmmakers, landing distribution through FilmOne is a big step towards a wide release. But the deal does not end there. After their run in cinemas, there’s a high likelihood that the movies could move to Kava or even Netflix, depending on the reception and performance.
In recent years, FilmOne’s willingness to bring diverse titles to cinemas has been trickling in. In 2026, for example, they brought documentary filmmaking back to the big screen with the distribution of Joel Kachi Benson’s Mothers of Chibok, giving it the widest theatrical release ever for a Nigerian documentary.
More titles announced at the FilmOne Showcase include Ajosepo 2, Wire Wire, The Other Side of the Bridge, and Efunroye, presenting exhibitors, industry professionals, and press members with a look at what is coming to cinemas in the months ahead.
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