The rights to “Olóládé,” a much-awaited original series that will debut on November 24th, have been acquired by Netflix. “Olóládé” is a tribute to Nollywood TV masterpieces, produced by TNC Africa, a ground-breaking business devoted to producing original African stories through TV series. The goal of the production is to capture the spirit of pure TV drama without needless embellishments.
Suspense and intrigue are added to the storyline of the series, which tells the tale of two friends who unexpectedly become wealthy and are caught up in a fatal money laundering conspiracy. Olawale Adetula, the CEO of TNC Africa, highlights the company’s dedication to satisfying the increasing demand for content evoking classic Nollywood TV dramas.
“Olóládé” director Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo, often known as TAJ, claims that the film will arouse feelings of nostalgia, offering viewers a return to the fundamentals of good storytelling. The series is anticipated to feature relatable characters and compelling drama, showcasing the timeless appeal of well-told stories.
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“Olóládé” stars Kunle Idowu (Frank Donga), Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, Mide Martins, Mr. Macaroni, Liz Da-Silva, Jaiye Kuti, and Damilola Oni, among other industry veterans and up-and-coming talent. Known for its dedication to quality, TNC Africa has produced highly acclaimed programmes in the past, including “Little Black Book” and “My Name Is A-zed” both of which were formally nominated for 2022’s Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards.
As “Olóládé” gets ready for its November 24 Netflix premiere, it’s anticipated that it will provide fans with an engrossing trip into the core of Nollywood, honouring classic storytelling and highlighting the depth of African stories. The series is an extension of TNC Africa’s ongoing efforts to change the narrative terrain of the African and Nigerian film industries.
Nollywood actress and director, Omoni Oboli, has announced that her debut series, “Last Year Single,” produced in 2020, will premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.
Omoni Oboli embarked on her acting career with her debut role in “Bitter Encounter” (1996). In 2010, she earned recognition for her performances, winning the Best Actress in a Narrative Feature award at the Los Angeles Movie Awards and Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival.
Additionally, she received a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Oboli has a notable filmography, including “Moms At War” and the upcoming third instalment of the “Wives on Strike” franchise, “The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3,” set to debut next month.
In an official statement, the talented actor-director confirmed that her romantic drama series, “Last Year Single,” will be available on Netflix starting Friday, September 6, 2024.
“The only thing we are all doing on Friday is grabbing our movie snacks and sitting in front of our TV on Netflix. Because THE HOTTEST SERIES ever is coming LAST YEAR SINGLE This Friday! Exclusive to Netflix.”
The series “Last Year Single” began production in 2020 but encountered delays due to the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written by Joy Bewaji and produced by Tomi Adeoye, the show follows the lives of three single women in their 30s as they struggle to find suitable partners while juggling their finances.
The cast includes notable actors such as Bimbo Ademoye, Toni Tones, Abishola Segun Williams, Mawuli Gavor, Kachi Nnochiri, Uzoma Osimkpa, Taye Arimoro, Kabiri Fubara, Chy Nwakama, Anthony Monjaro, and Chamberlyn Okoro, all of whom bring depth and charisma to the story.
The British Film Institute (BFI) has officially selected the Nollywood film “The Weekend“.Daniel Oriahi directed the film. It is to screen at the prestigious 68th edition of its London Film Festival. The BFI Film Festival in London will occur from October 9th to October 20th, 2024.
The lineup for the festival boasts an impressive 255 titles, including features, shorts, series, and immersive works. They represent a diverse range of 80 countries and feature 64 languages.
Following the successful premiere of his new feature film on August 30th, 2024, Oriahi took to Instagram to share the exciting news of The Weekend‘s selection for the BFI Film Festival. The film garnered a remarkable ₦8 million at the box office.
“I am deeply honoured and proud to announce that The Weekend has been officially selected to screen at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, the largest film festival in the UK. This selection comes as The Weekend continues to break box office records for its genre in Nollywood. The Weekend will be showcased in the BFI (LFF) Cult Section alongside some of the most anticipated thrillers and horror films of the fall season. I am equally thrilled to join the ranks of extraordinary new wave Nigerian filmmakers like @kennethgyang @fierycj @abbatmakama @mikegouken @damiorimogunje and @chukoesiri , whose works have graced past editions of this prestigious festival,” he said.
Oriahi began his filmmaking journey by producing and directing Misfit.
This is a psychological horror film, as his debut feature on a limited budget. He has also directed other notable works, including Taxi Driver: Oke Ashewo in 2015 and Sylvia in 2018.
The selection committee for the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York reviewed numerous submissions. They chose Oriahi’s comeback film, The Weekend, for screening at the festival. This selection made The Weekend the only Nollywood film to feature at the international event this year.
The Weekend is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Nikiya Talabi, an orphan girl yearning for family. Nikiya visits her fiancée’s seemingly perfect family, only to uncover their sinister secret. The film boasts a talented cast. This includes Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, and Damilola Ogunsi.
Nollywood actress and producer, Juliet Ibrahim, has explained her decision to release her latest films on YouTube rather than other streaming platforms. She revealed this in a recent interview with TheCable Lifestyle at the Nigeria International Film and TV Summit in Lekki. Juliet revealed that she chose YouTube due to its less demanding requirements.
Unlike platforms like Netflix or Prime, YouTube doesn’t impose strict criteria for equipment, editing, lighting, or crew members. This flexibility allows for a more accessible and inclusive approach to filmmaking.
She said,
“Before you submit to a streaming platform, either Netflix or Prime, you have a list of equipment you must use. There is a criteria for editing, lighting, your crew members, a whole lot of things and that includes a lot of money. That is where I said the funding would now become a problem.”
Speaking further on YouTube’s benefit, Juliet also acknowledged the risk of piracy, saying,
“You see, there is something about being a filmmaker, you make your movie, and you want to own your rights. There is also piracy, so even YouTube is not 100% safe because people still pirate, they would steal your content. However, there is a whole market on YouTube where people make quick and easy money with less stress. Without having to go buy the cinema criteria or streaming platform criteria.”
Juliet Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of reaching diaspora audiences who cannot access cinema content.
“As a filmmaker, you want to have multiple streams of income, and there are people in diaspora who want to watch our content but cannot access our cinema content. Until we can give them good cinema content over there, we can put it on Netflix or YouTube. If Netflix says the content is not good enough for them, we can put it on Showmax or YouTube uploads. A lot of people have different reasons, but most times you have to look at it strategically and also what goes into your pocket,” she added.