FilmOne Entertainment, a leading player in the Nigerian film industry, hosted its highly anticipated Year-End Exhibitors Showcase on October 27, 2023. The event, held in Lagos State at Filmhouse Cinemas, Landmark, Lekki, was a platform for the film distributor to present its upcoming movie releases and engage with industry stakeholders, including exhibitors, media, and the cast and crew of their films.
Moses Babatope, the Group Deputy Managing Director of FilmHouse Group, opened the event by expressing his gratitude to the attendees, acknowledging the hard work of the FilmHouse Group staff, and setting the tone for an exciting evening of film revelations.
The event kicked off with Lanre Aileru, the Head of Marketing at FilmOne Entertainment, sharing insights into the successful marketing strategies employed for some of their 2023 titles. Notably, Aileru emphasised the importance of partnerships with brands and influencers to extend the reach of their films.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of FilmOne Entertainment’s upcoming releases, complete with trailers and previews. Here are the films showcased:
‘Small Talk:’ October 27, 2023
Directed by Biodun Stephen, ‘Small Talk’ explores the consequences of a devoted driver’s mindless chit chat that leads to a robbery at his boss’s home, testing the limits of loyalty and the power of silence.
‘Adire:’ November 3, 2023
FilmOne Studios’ first independent production, ‘Adire,’ tells the tale of a retired prostitute who starts a lingerie-making business from her signature adire material, empowering the town’s women and sparking tension with the local church’s deaconess.
‘Egun:’ November 10, 2023
When a CEO plots to sell his company and robs his employees of their rewards, a mysterious piece of black magic appears, leading to fear and a detective’s involvement in this gripping tale starring Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, and others.
‘Bank Alert:’ November 24, 2023
A former banker stumbles upon ₦500 million in his dormant bank account, setting off a chain of events in this suspenseful thriller starring Okey Bakassi, Kate Henshaw, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Bolanle Ninolowo.
‘Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story’ – December 1, 2023
Directed by Kayode Kasum, this film celebrates the journey from rags to riches in the heart of Nnewi, with captivating performances by Stan Nze, Alex Ekubo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Atlanta Bridget Johnson.
‘A Tribe Called Judah:’ December 15, 2023
Directed by Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu, the film depicts a family of five brothers who embark on a mall robbery to help their sick mother, only to confront armed robbers.
‘Malaika:’ December 22, 2023
‘Malaika’ features Toyin Abraham, Emeka Ike, and Pelumi Olawuni in a story about a barren woman’s journey to self-discovery and healing, accompanied by a spiritual awakening.
‘This Is Lagos:’ December 25, 2023
Directed by Kenneth Gyang, ‘This Is Lagos’ follows Stevo, portrayed by Gabriel Afolayan, on his quest for superstardom in a city where everyone hides behind a mask.
FilmOne Entertainment Year-end Showcase Gallery
FilmOne Entertainment also teased two films slated for early 2024: Kevin Apaa’s ‘Meeting Funmi’s Parents’ and ‘All Is Fair In Love,’ to be directed by Kayode Kasum.
The event succeeded in its primary goal of bringing together exhibitors and filmmakers, fostering commitments from both parties to ensure the success of these exciting releases at the box office. Cast and crew members pledged meet-and-greet sessions at various cinemas, further enhancing the collaboration between the Nigerian film industry and its dedicated audience.
As FilmOne Entertainment continues to captivate audiences with diverse and compelling stories, the future of Nigerian cinema looks brighter than ever, setting the stage for a remarkable 2023 and beyond.
