MOVIES

Genesis Pictures Teams With Silverbird To Distribute AY’s New Film, “The Waiter”

Published

2 months ago

September 10, 2024

The Waiter: Genesis Pictures and Silverbird to distribute | fab.ng

Genesis Pictures and Silverbird Distribution have joined forces to co-distribute “The Waiter,” the latest film from popular comedian Ayo ‘A.Y’ Makun. Corporate World Entertainment produced the action-comedy. It is a deep dive into the country’s socio-political issues.

Nnaeto Orazulike of Genesis Pictures and Isabella Okechukwu of Silverbird Distribution released a joint statement about the partnership. Orazulike emphasized their goal to reach global audiences. Okechukwu highlighted how this collaboration would set new standards for film distribution in Nigeria and create fresh revenue streams.

AY expressed his gratitude for the partnership. He sees it as a significant step forward for Nigeria’s film distribution industry. The comedian-turned-filmmaker has made a name for himself in Nollywood with his ability to blend humour and compelling narratives.

Dubbed the “Gensilver deal,” this partnership could reshape Nigeria’s cinema landscape. Genesis and Silverbird’s combined market shares now position them to challenge FilmOne’s long-standing dominance in the industry. This deal might usher in a new era of cooperation and innovation within Nollywood, promoting fair revenue sharing and collaborative trade.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Silverbird Film Distribution (@silverbirdfilmdistribution)

AY has left an indelible mark on Nigerian film and entertainment. His debut film, “30 Days in Atlanta,” became one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films in 2014. He followed this success with “A Trip to Jamaica” in 2016 and “Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons” in 2018. Each release has consistently delivered box office hits.

“The Waiter” is set to hit theatres in December.

Films from Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, and Mercy Aigbe will create a competitive month for Nigerian cinema. This lineup promises an exciting end to the year for Nollywood fans.

The co-distribution agreement between Genesis Pictures and Silverbird Distribution marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s film industry. It demonstrates a move towards more collaborative and innovative approaches to film distribution. This partnership could potentially increase the reach of Nigerian films both domestically and internationally.

As the Nigerian film industry continues to grow and evolve, deals like this may become more common. They offer a way for companies to pool resources and expertise. This potentially leads to better promotion and wider distribution of Nollywood films. This could, in turn, lead to increased revenue and recognition for Nigerian filmmakers and actors.

The success of “The Waiter” and the Gensilver deal will be closely watched by industry insiders. If successful, it could pave the way for more such partnerships in the future.

Up Next

Bolanle Austen-Peters To Launch Lagos International Theatre Festival

Don't Miss

Portable On How Zlatan Came Between His Relationship With Davido

INTERNATIONAL

“Gladiator II” Records ₦99.1 Million In Its Opening Weekend At The Nigerian Box Office

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Reporter

Gladiator II records ₦99.1 million in its opening weekend | fab.ng

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has taken the Nigerian box office by storm, earning an impressive ₦99.1 million during its opening weekend. This remarkable feat positions the epic as the second-highest opening film of the year in Nigeria.

Before its weekend release, Gladiator II generated significant momentum. On Wednesday, it earned ₦8.13 million, followed by ₦8.96 million on Thursday.

An advanced screening earlier in the week pulled in ₦17 million across two days, showcasing strong local anticipation. These milestones cement the film as one of 2024’s top-performing titles in Nigeria.

The sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, follows Lucius, the nephew of Maximus, the heroic protagonist of the original Gladiator. After ruthless Roman emperors seize his home, Lucius embraces the life of a gladiator to seek revenge and restore Rome’s glory.

The film delves into timeless themes of vengeance and redemption, set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington, Gladiator II has captivated Nigerian audiences. The movie’s strong local performance underscores the growing appeal of global cinema in Nigeria.

On the international stage, Gladiator II debuted with an estimated $87 million, marking the largest opening weekend for any Ridley Scott film.

This success highlights the sequel’s long-awaited arrival, nearly two decades after Gladiator premiered in 2000. The development of the sequel spanned years, with numerous script drafts considered before the final version emerged in 2018. Paul Mescal joined the cast in early 2023, solidifying the project’s momentum.

Written by David Scarpa (Napoleon) in collaboration with Peter Craig, Gladiator II was distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Filming took place between June 2023 and January 2024, delivering a cinematic masterpiece that bridges nostalgia and modern storytelling.

Check out more movie updates here.

MOVIES

Watch The Trailer For Jade Osiberu’s “Christmas In Lagos”

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Reporter

Christmas In Lagos: Watch the trailer | fab.ng

Christmas is about to get a thrilling twist with the release of the trailer for Jade Osiberu’s highly anticipated film, Christmas in Lagos. Set to premiere on Prime Video on December 20th, the film promises an exciting blend of love, drama, and self-discovery during the festive season.

The story follows Fiyin, played by Teniola Aladese, as she navigates life after heartbreak. Convinced her best friend Elo (Shalom Obiago) could be her soulmate, she faces an emotional twist when Elo returns from New York, ready to propose to his secret girlfriend, Yagazie (Angel Anosike). Their tangled relationships set the stage for heartfelt moments and unexpected revelations.

Simultaneously, Gbemi (Shaffy Bello), a sophisticated 59-year-old, finds herself torn between her longtime boyfriend (Wale Ojo) and the rekindled spark of her high school sweetheart (Richard Mofe-Damijo). Her journey explores the complexities of love and second chances.

Adding to the drama, Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) arrives in Lagos from London, seeking the ultimate “Detty December” experience. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Ajani (Ladipoe), leading to a romantic and transformative holiday.

With a stellar cast and captivating storylines, Christmas in Lagos promises a festive celebration filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Sharing the trailer, Jade said,

CHRISTMAS IN LAGOS IS HERE!!! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

So proud to present to you the trailer for my new film 💕. Grateful to everyone who worked on this film, our amazing cast and super talented crew.

We set out to make a film that shows Lagos (and Naija) off in its full Detty December glory and when the film is out in exactly a month from today, I think you guys will be really proud of the film 💕

The holiday romance brings together a stellar Nollywood cast, spotlighting talents like Shaffy Bello, Wale Ojo, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Shalom C. Obiago, Rayxia Ojo, Teniola Aladese, Angel Anosike, and Folu Storms.

Adding a musical flair, the film also showcases top Afrobeats stars, including Waje, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, and Ladipoe, seamlessly blending acting and music for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Watch the trailer of Christmas in Lagos below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jade Osiberu (@jadeosiberu)

See some behind-the-scenes photos below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jade Osiberu (@jadeosiberu)

MOVIES

“The Interrogation Of Lotanna” Bags 6 Nominations At The FilmJoint Awards 2025

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Reporter

The Interrogation of Lotanna: 6 nominations at TFA 2025 | fab.ng

Reginald Jumbo’s compelling short film “The Interrogation of Lotanna” has earned prestigious recognition with six nominations at the upcoming 2025 Film Joint Awards.

The nominations span major categories. They include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Indigenous Film (Nigeria), Best African Film, and the Best Jury Award for Outstanding Storytelling.

The FilmJoint platform stands as a vital global initiative that connects short filmmakers with international audiences. They provide them with a stage to showcase their creative works.

Through its annual awards ceremony, FilmJoint celebrates exceptional short films that advance African cinema’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Producers Ibukun Serah Adetoyinbo and Oreoluwa Obadofin bring to life a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of civil unrest.

The plot follows Captain Ardo, a military commander tasked with suppressing an eastern rebellion led by the elusive Zuru Nkwu.

After months of fruitless searches, intelligence leads Ardo to interrogate a suspect named Lotanna. Despite enduring severe torture, Lotanna steadfastly maintains his innocence throughout the ordeal.

The film showcases powerful performances from an ensemble cast. The cast features William Chinoyenem, Cassey Oritsejolomi, Anthony Nwahiri, Francis Sule, Michael Embraiz, and Mr. Rala.

Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their respective roles, contributing to the film’s emotional impact and storytelling prowess.

These nominations underscore the film’s artistic merit and its significant contribution to African cinema. The recognition from the FilmJoint Awards particularly highlights the film’s excellence in storytelling, direction, and performance.

Meanwhile, it also acknowledges its cultural significance as both a Nigerian and African production. The winners will be revealed at the 2025 FilmJoint Awards ceremony, where “The Interrogation of Lotanna” stands as a strong contender across multiple categories.

Check out more updates here.