The New Strategy of Netflix in Nigeria is the Best for Nollywood

As macroeconomic headwinds—such as intense inflation and the depreciation of the Nigerian Naira—have impacted consumer spending and local platform margins, global streaming giants have re-evaluated their approach. While rumors previously circulated that Netflix was pulling out of Nigeria, the streamer firmly debunked this, confirming that it has instead pivoted toward a long-term play. This approach relies on tightening its release slate to emphasize high-demand, proven titles and funding creative equity initiatives behind the scenes to structurally elevate the quality of Nigerian cinema

1. Targeted Training & Academy Partnerships

Instead of funding isolated productions, Netflix routes money directly into institutional talent development.

Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts: Funded through the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, this collaboration delivers hands-on, rigorous training for local screenwriters and actors under the tutelage of industry veterans.

Realness Institute Labs: Netflix runs localized initiatives like the Episodic Lab (EPL) and the Development Executive Traineeship (DET). These programs train mid-career Nigerian film professionals to polish concepts, build narrative structures, and pitch projects to international standards.

2. Upgrading Technical and Post-Production Infrastructure

A frequent critique of older Nollywood releases was the disparity between great ideas and technical execution. Netflix addresses this by sponsoring specialized technical workshops, including the APost Lab, focusing heavily on improving sound engineering, color grading, and editing workflows.

The goal is to build an ecosystem where local post-production crews can consistently match international distribution benchmarks.

Netflix is still acquiring finished films in Nigeria

Focus on Acquisition: The streaming platform now relies on an acquisition model. It watches completed films and buys the licensing rights for the ones it likes.

Several major Nigerian releases from Niyi Akinmolayan, Moses Inwang, and other prominent directors have recently landed on Netflix.

🎬 Moses Inwang
Ordinary People (September 2026): This highly anticipated 8-episode action-thriller series is Moses Inwang’s biggest project yet. Set in the wealthy, gated Mirage Estate, it follows residents whose seemingly perfect lives unravel as dangerous secrets, betrayals, and dark ambitions are pushed to the edge. It stars a massive Nollywood ensemble cast including Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Sharon Ooja, and Adunni Ade.

Devil Is a Liar (Late 2025): A tense drama/thriller following a successful realtor who falls for a younger man, only for her life to crumble under a wave of tragedy and betrayal. It stars Nse Ikpe-Etim, Mercy Aigbe, and Nancy Isime.

🎨 Niyi Akinmolayan
Colours of Fire (July 2026): Following its theatrical run, Akinmolayan’s visual Afrofusion fantasy epic joined Netflix. The film blends African mythology and deep visual effects to tell a story of forbidden love and propaganda between two rival tribes (the Red and Blue tribes). It stars Uzor Arukwe and Osas Ighodaro.

Lísàbí: A Legend Is Born (Late 2025): A sweeping historical epic centered around the legendary Yoruba folk hero Lisabi and his rebellion against oppression.

Tòkunbọ̀ by Ramsey Nouah: A gritty crime thriller focused on a former car smuggler who is given a high-stakes, time-sensitive mission to deliver a captive judge's daughter.

House of Ga'a by Bolanle Austen-Peters: A massively successful 18th-century historical epic that tracks the ruthless rise and eventual downfall of Bashorun Ga'a, the fiercely tyrannical prime minister of the Oyo Empire.

#netflix
#nigeria

#nollywood

#movies
#acquisition
#production
#training
#strategy

Celebrated Short Film "Ngozika and the Magic Water Pot" Adapted Into Global Multilingual Storybook

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrated Short Film "Ngozika and the Magic Water Pot" Adapted Into Global Multilingual Storybook

LAGOS, NIGERIA, September 10, 2026 

Prolific Nigerian author, filmmaker, and publisher Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima has officially announced the upcoming global release of the storybook adaptation of his celebrated short film, Ngozika and the Magic Water Pot.

 Following its acclaimed reception as a cutting-edge, AI-produced short film, this new literary edition brings the vivid, mystical world of Umu Udara village directly to pages designed for readers worldwide.

To ensure the modern African folklore reaches a truly global audience, the storybook is being translated into a massive roster of international and indigenous languages. The book will be released in hardcover edition, paperback edition and Amazon Kindle edition and will be available in French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Swahili, alongside Nigeria’s major native languages: Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa.
The narrative follows Ngozika, the precious only child of a poor widow, who accidentally loses her water pot at the stream. Terrified of her mother's reaction, she weeps by the water until sunset, when turbulence gives rise to Mammy Water. The mystical mermaid comforts the frightened young girl and bestows upon her a miraculous gift: a magical water pot that will never run dry.

Ngozika and the Magic Water Pot expands the cinematic landscape originally crafted alongside AI Producer Oluwadare Solesi. By blending traditional folklore with cutting-edge artificial intelligence in film production, the project has broken boundaries in African digital media. The new book edition translates these rich cultural textures, emotional depth, and stunning visual realism into a timeless reading experience.

Distributed worldwide via Amazon and other leading global booksellers, this multilingual launch marks a major milestone in cross-media storytelling and the international preservation of African cultural narratives.

"Translating the visual magic and heart of our AI-produced short film into print—and into the world's most spoken languages—allows us to share the core of African storytelling with everyone, everywhere," says author and director Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima. "This storybook is a celebration of our shared heritage, resilience, and the enchanting elements of classic folklore made accessible to the global village."

About the Author
Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima (also writing as Orikinla Osinachi) is an award-winning Nigerian writer, filmmaker, journalist, and social entrepreneur. He is the founder of the International Digital Post Network and King of Kings Books International, and the publisher of the acclaimed Nollywood Mirror® Series.

Media Contact:
Name: Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Company/Publisher: King of Kings Books International
Email Address: ekenyerengozimichaelchima@gmail.com
Phone Number: 

+234 07066379246

Website/Amazon Page: 

https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

"
 

Peter Gregory Obi: Portrait of Visionary Leadership

Peter Gregory Obi: Portrait of Visionary Leadership

The Coming of a New Leader for the nation building of a New Nigeria 

Peter Gregory Obi,

The Nigerian Dream for Visionary Leadership 

It takes a visionary mind to appreciate, celebrate and promote a visionary leader for the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa among the comity of nations in the world.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Author of "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream" and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com
www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi    

Buy my books to support my works.

#nigeria
#peterobi
#obi
#leadership
#democracy

The 99th Annual Academy Awards' International Feature Film Category: Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) Calls for Submissions

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) is pleased to announce the official Call for Submissions for Nigeria’s entry to the 99th Academy Awards® (Oscars®) in the International Feature Film Award category.

We invite Nigerian filmmakers, producers, and rights holders with eligible feature films to submit their works for consideration as Nigeria’s official submission to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

This is an opportunity to showcase the creativity, diversity, and excellence of Nigerian storytelling on one of the world’s biggest cinematic stages.

Submission Deadline: 31st August 2026.

Submission Guidelines & Entry Form: www.thenosc.org

Before submitting, please ensure your film complies with the Academy’s eligibility requirements and the NOSC submission guidelines.

We look forward to celebrating the best of Nigerian cinema and wish all entrants the very best.

#NOSC #Oscars #Oscars99 #AcademyAwards #InternationalFeatureFilm NigerianCinema Nollywood CallForSubmissions Filmmakers FilmIndustry Nigeria Cinema

Cinewav Launched in Nigeria

 

Cinewav Launched in Nigeria

Pastor Basil Chukwuezi, Owner, Edensquire E & R Services Limited delivering his welcome address.

Cinewav is a high-tech innovative way of enjoying movies that is redefining cinema around the world.

Cinewav officially launched operations in Nigeria on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Lagos. This brings the localized immersive high-fidelity audio in sync with movies infrastructure for the first time in West Africa. The launching was anchored by EDEN SQUARE TV working closely with Cinewav of Singapore. Apart from the general public, corporate, finance and regulatory authorities were well represented:.

“For us, this launch was more than introducing a new technology. It was about starting a conversation on how audio can improve the way people experience events in Nigeria. The response we received was encouraging, and many guests expressed interest in partnering with us. This event is more than a movie screening; it is an opportunity to witness how technology and storytelling can come together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Our goal is to bring together leaders, organizations, creatives, religious organizations, media professionals, students, and lovers of meaningful entertainment to experience this groundbreaking innovation and be part of a new chapter in immersive cinema in Nigeria," said Pastor Basil Chukwuezi, the project lead for the launch.

In attendance at the occasion were top industry executives from corporate, development finance and regulatory authorities, including the Mr. Ailewon Paul Danlami, Deputy Director, Operations who represented Dr, Shaibu Hussein, the Executive Director of the National Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Bank of Industry (Mrs. Cynthia Nwuka, General Manager, LED Directorate), Committee of Relevant Art (CORA – Jahman Anikulapo, Program Chair), Film One (Joseph Awodele/Samuel Adegilege), Keskese Limited (Tijani Abdulmalik), Nigerian Bottling Company (Terfa Tsughum), Gosporella International (DJ Gosporella), to mention but a few.

While thanking the Nigeria team for the launch, Jason Chan the Co-founder of Cinewav expressed his desire for a rapid roll out of Cinewav across Africa: “Thank you Pastor Basil, Michael and the team in Nigeria for giving us such a warm launch for Cinewav in Nigeria. We're quite overwhelmed by the response and hope that this is the beginning of the spread of Cinewav in Nigeria and Africa; bringing cinemas to many people, democratizing cinema and allowing the spread of great messages through film on the large screen. We hope this will help build communities around stories no matter how big or small. That is our dream and I hope you guys can help to make this come true. Thank you again for believing in this technology”.

This launch is only the beginning. Our vision is to make quality audio accessible to every audience member, no matter the size of the event or where they are seated.

Founded in 2018, Cinewav has pioneered synchronized audio technology for audiences around the world. We are excited to bring that innovation to Nigeria.

"We sincerely appreciate everyone who attended our launch, believed in our vision, and supported us as we introduced Cinewav to Nigeria. 

The goal is to have Cinewav powered cinemas in every neighborhood in Nigeria."

Cinewav has already launched from the headquarters in Singapore to other countries, including the following:

Malaysia: Routine community events and regional marketing.

Indonesia: Frequently utilized for destination events, such as beach screenings in Bali.

Vietnam: Used to broadcast large-scale tourism synchronized sound tracks, such as the Danang International Fireworks Festival.

Philippines: Hosted public movie events and localized entertainment experiences.

Australia: Deployed at major city-wide cultural events like Vivid Sydney.

Cinewav delivers immersive, high fidelity audio perfectly in sync with the visuals. This allows any space to be turned into an outdoor or indoor cinema.

Cinewav is actively holding events and expanding its platform across at least 7 countries, primarily focusing on the Asia-Pacific region and recent international expansions. Because Cinewav operates as a customized event-based software rather than a generic streaming service, availability is tied directly to the countries where public screenings, festivals, and corporate partnerships are hosted. 

Global Patent Footprint

While active event deployment is concentrated in the territories above, the company holds global operational patents across 5 major international legal systems: the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. This infrastructure allows organizers in those additional regions to legally license the master player software for future pop-up cinemas.

For more updates on Cinewav Nigeria operations follow: Instagram @cinewav_naija | Facebook: Cinewav Nigeria | TikTok: Cinewav Nigeria.

OFFICIAL INVITATION TO THE LAUNCH OF THE CINEMATIC UNIVERSE OF CINEWAV IN NIGERIA

 

OFFICIAL INVITATION TO THE LAUNCH OF THE CINEMATIC UNIVERSE OF CINEWAV IN NIGERIA

We are delighted to invite you to experience the official unveiling of the awesome immersive cinematic experience of Cinewav in Nigeria, the first in West Africa.

Cinewav is a high tech innovative way of enjoying movies that is redefining cinema around the world.

Watch trailers and special movies and audiovisual displays in the sky.

View the video on https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1NtvB1dGhC/

Unlike the traditional cinema experience, Cinewav ( https://www.cinewav.com ) allows audiences to enjoy synchronized, high-quality movie audio directly through their smartphones and earphones while watching the film on the big screen. 

The result is a more immersive, personal, and unforgettable movie experience.

There will be the Nigerian premiere of "WAR ROOM", the acclaimed Christian drama film directed by Alex Kendrick and written by him and his brother, Stephen Kendrick; starring Priscilla Shirer as Elizabeth Jordan and Beth Moore as Mandy and other outstanding actors, including T.C. Stallings, Karen Abercrombie,Alex Kendrick and Alena Pitts 

The film was made with US$3 million and made US$74 million from the box office, including US$67.8 million domestically to become the 7th highest-grossing Christian film in the United States.

A spin-off titled "The Forge" (also made by the Kendrick Brothers), was released on August 23, 2024.

This event is more than a movie screening; it is an opportunity to witness how technology and storytelling can come together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Our goal is to bring together leaders, organizations, creatives, churches, media professionals, students, and lovers of meaningful entertainment to experience this groundbreaking innovation and be part of a new chapter in immersive cinema in Nigeria.

DATE: Saturday July 25, 2026
TIME: 1.00PM PROMPT
VENUE: GLORYPLUS INTERNATIONAL EVENT CENTRE 
18, Kudirat Abiola Way, Beside GTBank, Oregun
Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

AFRIFF, One of the Best International Film Festivals in Africa

 

AFRIFF, One of the Best International Film Festivals in Africa

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is a premier annual event in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating African and diasporic cinema. Founded in 2010 by Chioma Ude, it hosts high-profile film screenings, industry masterclasses, and talent development programs. It also features the AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM) to boost content licensing, co-productions, and distribution.

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), in partnership with The Walt Disney Company and FilmOne Entertainment, hosted the historic African premiere of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" in Lagos, Nigeria. The highly anticipated Marvel Studios sequel debuted on the continent ahead of its global cinematic release in November 2022.

The star-studded event brought the film's cast, filmmakers, and global industry stakeholders to Lagos. It was widely celebrated as a monumental milestone for African entertainment, helping bridge the gap between global film industries.

In 2026, AFRIFF became the first African film festival selected for the Goes To Cannes of the Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market) program of the annual Cannes Film Festival in France.

Curating a dedicated "Goes to Cannes" showcase, the festival highlighted the growing global influence of African cinema.

As the official representative for Lagos, Nigeria, AFRIFF secured a highly visible platform at the Palais des Festivals.

Key Information and Upcoming Dates

Event Dates: 

The festival typically takes place in early November.

Location: 

Lagos, Nigeria (with multiple venues across the city).

Core Activities:

Film Screenings: Showcasing feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations, and student works.

AFRIFF Globe Awards: 

The closing-week ceremony honoring artistic excellence across various cinematic categories.

AFRIFF Academy: 

A capacity-building initiative that trains young filmmakers and facilitates sponsorships to international film schools.

AFRIFF Film & Content Market (AFCM): 

A dedicated marketplace for creators, studios, and financiers to trade and collaborate.

Tinubu, Shettima Re-nominations: Chief Tony Chukwu Lauds APC, Felicitates President, Vice President

Tinubu, Shettima Re-nominations: Chief Tony Chukwu Lauds APC, Felicitates President, Vice President

-;By Tony Osagie

A prominent political stakeholder in Imo State, Chief Tony Chukwu( Onwegi ihe kariri Chineke) has commended the All Progressives Congress, (APC) for re-nominating President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as the 2027  Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates of the party respectively.

In a press statement made avilable to newsmen, Chief Chukwu who is also a business mogul and philanthropist, said the unanimous endorsement of the President and the Vice President by the APC reflects the overwhelming confidence of Nigerians and party members in their leadership commitment to national renewal and determination to build a more prosperous, secure and united Nigeria.

Felicitating the Nigerian leader and his deputy on their renominations, Chief Chukwu said: " I wish the President and Vice President a successful campaign that would lead to a landslide victory and reaffirm the hope of all Nigerians for the continued peace, progress and sustainable development for our great country"

NOSC INDUSTRY FORUM 2026 CALLS FOR GREATER INTENTIONALITY AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS IN NIGERIAN CINEMA

NOSC INDUSTRY FORUM 2026 CALLS FOR GREATER INTENTIONALITY AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS IN NIGERIAN CINEMA

Lagos, Nigeria, July 2, 2026 — The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) convened filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, distributors, exhibitors, film institutions, government agencies, financiers, students, and other key industry stakeholders at the inaugural NOSC Industry Forum 2026, held at Filmhouse Cinemas, Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Held under the theme, “FROM ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETITIVENESS: Building Nigerian Films for Global Recognition,” the forum was designed to deepen industry understanding of the International Feature Film category and encourage Nigerian filmmakers to think beyond simply meeting submission requirements towards developing films capable of competing at the highest international level.

Opening the forum, NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus said the conversation around international recognition must begin long before a film is completed.

“For many years, conversations around the Oscars have often centred on one question: ‘How do we submit a film?’ We must now begin asking a different question: ‘How do we create films that deserve to compete among the world’s very best?’ Submission is a process. Competitiveness is a commitment.”

In her keynote presentation, “The Road to International Feature Film Recognition,” Linus examined the eligibility requirements for the International Feature Film category, recent changes to the Academy rules, the two qualification pathways, language requirements, theatrical release, creative control, technical standards, and the critical difference between a film being eligible and being genuinely competitive.

The forum also featured selected film case studies, using internationally recognised films to examine storytelling, directorial vision, technical execution, cultural authenticity, festival strategy, and global positioning.

A panel titled “Lessons from the Journey” brought together filmmakers and industry professionals with direct experience of Nigeria’s International Feature Film journey. The conversation explored what happens after a film is selected, the challenges filmmakers encounter, lessons from previous campaigns, the importance of post-production, and what future entrants should begin doing differently.

Discussions throughout the forum highlighted the need for stronger script development, longer development timelines, world-class sound and post-production, professional subtitles, early festival planning, strategic international partnerships, sustainable financing, distribution, publicity, and properly resourced awards campaigns.

The forum also examined the role of international co-productions and creative control, with speakers stressing that foreign financing or foreign crew members do not automatically determine a film’s country of submission. Participants were encouraged to understand how production structures, creative leadership, rights, and decision-making can affect eligibility.

Members of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee also participated in a wider conversation on the selection process and the future of Nigeria’s International Feature Film journey. The discussion addressed what NOSC looks for, eligibility versus competitiveness, technical quality, the evolving international landscape, and the support systems required to help Nigerian films compete globally.

The forum concluded with a call for greater collaboration across the Nigerian film ecosystem.

“Nigeria does not lack talent or stories,” Linus said. “What we need now is greater intentionality, stronger development, technical excellence, strategic planning, and collaboration. The goal is not simply to submit a film. The goal is to build films that can stand confidently among the best in the world.”

The NOSC Industry Forum 2026 marks a broader commitment to industry education, dialogue, and the continued advancement of Nigerian cinema on the global stage.

About the Nigerian Official Selection Committee

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) is the Academy-approved committee responsible for selecting Nigeria’s official entry for consideration in the International Feature Film category.

For more information:

www.thenosc.org