Nollywood Distilled is back after a week’s break, and there has been no shortage of developments. From international awards and streaming updates to cinema initiatives, television news and fresh collaborations, here are seven key stories across the Nigerian screen industry this week.
‘Dear Ajayi’ Wins Two Venice Days Awards Ahead of Nigerian Release
Damilola Orimogunje‘s Dear Ajayi has won two awards at Venice Days (Giornate degli Autori) ahead of its Nigerian release. The Nigeria–Germany co-production received the Premio Enrico Fulchignoni, presented by UNESCO, and the Premio Bisato d’Oro for Best Cast and Performances. The Fulchignoni jury praised the film as “a decisive witness to the creative moment Nigerian cinema is enjoying, ripe for discovery by the global film scene,” while the Bisato d’Oro recognised its ensemble for bringing “depth and truth” to the story. The honours come shortly after Dear Ajayi became the first Nigerian film selected for Venice Days. The film opened a limited theatrical run in Nigeria on September 18 ahead of its nationwide release through FilmOne on November 13.
Fresh Off a Record Emmy Night, Apple TV is Now Officially Available in Nigeria
Days after Apple TV enjoyed its strongest-ever Primetime Emmy Awards performance, the streaming service has officially launched in Nigeria as part of an expanded iCloud+ subscription. Starting this month, iCloud+ subscribers can stream Apple Originals such as Ted Lasso, Severance, Silo and The Morning Show, alongside Apple Arcade, at no additional cost. Plans begin at 1,300 naira per month for 50GB of iCloud+ storage, with Family Sharing available for up to five users. Existing standalone Apple TV and Apple Arcade subscriptions in Nigeria will automatically transition to the bundled iCloud+ offering.
Nigeria Cinema Day Returns on ‘Black Market’ GWR Day as Ticket Prices Rise
The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria has announced September 26 as the date for Nigeria Cinema Day 2026, with tickets priced at 3,000 naira nationwide. Since its launch, the annual initiative has steadily increased ticket prices—from 1,000 naira in 2023 and 2024 to 2,000 naira in 2025—as cinemas respond to rising operating costs while continuing to encourage audience turnout through discounted admissions. This year’s event also coincides with the planned Guinness World Record screening attempt for Rixel’s Black Market, potentially making September 26 one of the most eventful cinema days of the year.
MultiChoice Refreshes DStv and GOtv Channels Ahead of Wider Package Changes
MultiChoice Nigeria has unveiled a refreshed channel line-up for DStv and GOtv, introducing three new M-Net Movies channels as part of a broader update to its entertainment offering. From September 17, subscribers have gained access to M-Net Movies+, M-Net Stars and M-Net Legends, replacing the previous four movie channels with three curated destinations focused on new releases, blockbuster favourites and classic films. The refresh also introduces SuperSport Kick-Off and France 24 to the platform, with further package updates expected in the coming weeks. The changes follow MultiChoice’s earlier indication that it would overhaul its package offering after becoming part of Canal+, reflecting the company’s strategy to simplify content discovery.
‘Ikenga’ Becomes the Highest-Grossing Igbo-Language Film in Nollywood
Ikenga has become the highest-grossing Igbo-language film in Nollywood history, crossing the 100 million naira mark at the Nigerian box office just weeks after its theatrical release on August 21. The milestone builds on the film’s record-breaking opening weekend, when it earned 22 million naira (the biggest opening ever for an Igbo-language title). Directed by Darlington Kelechi, produced by Billionaire Black Boss and distributed by FilmOne, the film marks a rare high performer within indigenous-language cinema beyond Yoruba productions, which have traditionally dominated Nigeria’s local-language box office.
Three Nigerians Among Participants at Series Bridges Accra 2026
Nigerian filmmakers Isaac Ayodeji, Tamara Aihie and Chiemeka Osuagwu were among the creatives selected for Series Bridges Accra, a television series development programme held in Ghana from August 31 to September 4. Organised by The Writers Room Ghana, the French Embassy in Ghana and the Series Mania Institute, the initiative paired writers and producers from across West Africa to develop seven original television series. Ayodeji was matched with Ghanaian producer Elvis Damptey, while Aihie and Osuagwu also joined international creative teams as they refined projects for potential production. The Gambian team ultimately emerged as the overall winner.
Biodun Stephen, Blessing Nze and Bolaji Ogunmola Tease New Collaboration
Director Biodun Stephen, producer-actress Bolaji Ogunmola and producer-actress Blessing Nze have teased a new project slated for 2027, hinting at another collaboration between three creatives who have frequently worked together. While details remain under wraps—including the title and each person’s role on the production—the trio has previously worked together on films such as Hotel Labamba and The Progressive Tailors’ Club, with Stephen directing. Stephen has also maintained long-running creative relationships with both actresses across several other projects. The announcement comes as all three continue to expand their bodies of work, with Stephen’s most recent theatrical release being Trade by Bata and Ogunmola’s latest theatrical producing credit Ajosepo: The Gathering.
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