A thrilling new addition is about to make its mark in Nigerian cinema. “The Black Book” starring Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), is poised for its eagerly awaited Netflix debut on September 22.
“The Black Book” explores the turbulent history of military dictatorship, drug trafficking, and politics in Nigeria via the perspective of a retired hitman.
The movie, which is directed by Editi Effiong, known for his earlier films like “Up North” and “Fishbone,” has an ensemble cast that includes renowned performers like Alex Usifo, Sam Dede, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Denola Grey, Shaffy Bello, and Ireti Doyle.
The movie’s producers, Anakle Films, refer to it as “Nigeria’s biggest-budget film to date,” with a budget that exceeds $1 million. The film’s narrative centres on Paul Edima, a former hitman for the Nigerian military and drug cartel who made a lasting impression by taking part in assassinations, coups, kidnappings, and narcotics operations.
The protagonist makes a dangerous bargain with his boss after receiving a harsh ultimatum: either kill a female journalist’s child, whom he once spared or lose his own life. In exchange for his life and the child’s safety, he hands over the fabled ledger known as “The Black Book,” which contains proof against Nigeria’s corrupt ruling class.
Edima is forced back into the world of violence after three decades of living a peaceful existence after his only son is murdered by a group of dishonest police officers from the infamous SARS squad. To hide the crimes perpetrated by a politician’s son, this horrible atrocity was committed.
The film’s director, Editi Effiong, emphasises the value of narrative by pointing out that Nigerians are skilled at crafting gripping stories. He calls “The Black Book” an African tale with universal appeal.
According to Effiong, the film provides an interesting and fictional viewpoint on the complicated past of Nigeria. He claims that great storytelling knows no boundaries and that this African story is ready to resonate with audiences everywhere. The movie has top-notch actors and gorgeous scenery, which help to tell this Nigerian story in realistic detail.
In ending, Effiong recognises Nigeria’s great storytelling legacy and stresses the significance of using imaginative storytelling to tackle the harsh realities of military rule and corruption in the country’s history.
“The Black Book” promises to be an enthralling film experience that illuminates a significant period in Nigeria’s history while also providing entertainment.
Big Brother Naija season 7 winner Phyna (Ijeoma Josephina Otabor) is stepping behind the camera for her first-ever production project! She is making her debut as a producer with the upcoming film titled “The Last Man On Earth.”
To build anticipation for the film’s release, Phyna shared the trailer on her Instagram page. The movie is set to premiere on YouTube on May 15, 2024. This is exciting news for Phyna’s fans and Big Brother Naija followers, who are eager to see her take on a new creative challenge.
“First trailer of ‘The Last Man On Earth,’ my debut project as a movie producer. I’m so excited to finally share this with you guys, kick-starting my production journey,” she stated.
The trailer for “The Last Man on Earth” offers a sneak peek into a world of love triangles and drama. The story centres around Zara, played by Phyna herself. Zara’s character is seen as the “other woman” in Ebisan Arayi’s life, causing trouble not just for him and his family, but also for her friend, played by fellow Big Brother Naija alum Rachel Edwards.
The film is directed by Moyin Ezekiel, known as MoyinSage. Rounding out the cast are OluwaDolarz,Pharm Saviour Akpan, Ekete Chinyere, Boma Martins Akpore, and Fruitful Simon.
This isn’t Phyna’s first foray into acting. She’s previously appeared in Nollywood films like “When Life Happens” and “Lekki or Nothing,” both of which streamed on YouTube.
Phyna also had a role in the December 2023 cinema release “Osato.” So, “The Last Man on Earth” marks her debut as a producer, but not her first time on screen!
A month after its release, Kayode Kasum’s comedy-drama film, “Ajosepo,” continues to lead the Nigerian box office. According to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), “Ajosepo” maintained its top position in the box office rankings even after a month of its release.
CEAN’s report on the top 20 films exhibited in Nigeria, published on Friday, May 11, 2024, provided updated figures for the week from May 3 to May 9, 2024. “Ajosepo” garnered ₦50.4 million in its first five days of release (April 10 to April 14). It maintained its top spot with a weekly earning of ₦35.5 million (May 3 to May 9), bringing its total gross to ₦189.2 million.
The movie portrays the story of Dapo and Tani, played by Mike Afolarin and Tomike Adeoye, respectively.
They navigate through family tensions and unexpected revelations during their wedding preparations. Kayode Kasum directed the film. It features Timini Egbuson, Yemi Solade, and Ronke Oshodi Oke.
Ranked fourth on the box office chart is the sports-themed Nollywood movie “Aburo.” It earned ₦13.1 million in the week. The movie’s total gross now stands at ₦16.2 million.
Ranked fourth on the box office chart is the sports-themed Nollywood movie “Aburo.” It earned ₦13.1 million in the week. The movie’s total gross now stands at ₦16.2 million.
The Yoruba film “Blacksmith: Alagbede,” initially holding third place, dropped to fifth place with a weekly earning of ₦9.5 million, accumulating a total of ₦44.6 million.
“Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju),” a Yoruba epic film, earned ₦5.5 million in the week. This placed it at number seven on the chart with a total gross of ₦247.2 million, following its ₦101.2 million opening weekend.
“Saving Onome sits at number 11, with a total gross of ₦42.5 million and a weekly earning of ₦1.9 million. Dimeji Ajibola directed the film.
Lastly, “All is Fair in Love” is positioned at number 18. It earned a weekly total of ₦6,000 and has grossed ₦131.5 million overall, according to CEAN’s disclosure.
There’s good news for fans of Nollywood family dramas! The heartwarming film “Momiwa,” directed by Biodun Stephen, is now available to stream on Prime Video.
Biodun Stephen herself announced the exciting news on her Instagram page on Friday, May 10, 2024.
“Laidiz and Gentlemen, I present you #MOMIWA #NowStreaming on Amazon Prime. The film follows the story of a beloved housekeeper who brings joy to a home until her boss’ wife returns, stirring tension and rivalry within the family.”
“Momiwa” is a family drama film. Biodun Stephen, who directed the movie, is known for creating heartwarming movies. They include “Strangers,” “Breaded Life,” “Introducing the Kujus,” “A Simple Lie,” and “Sista.” In fact, “Sista” recently won both the Audience Award and the Jury Award for Best Movie at a Paris Nollywood film festival in 2022!
For “Momiwa,” Stephen collaborated with Uddy Udoh and Shutterspeed Projects to bring the story to life. The film features a talented cast, including Blessing Jessica Obasi, Iyabo Ojo, Uzor Arukwe, Lilian Afegbai, Michael Akpujiha, and Mc Lively.
“#SISTA an ode to my mother and every single mum out there has been a gift that has kept on giving, and this year, @nollywoodweek #SISTA won both Audience and Jury award for best movie,” Stephen announced in an Instagram post on Monday, May 6, 2024.