Nigeria’s film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has achieved a remarkable feat with the release of ‘The Black Book’, a crime thriller that has become the first Nollywood film to rank number one on Netflix worldwide. The film, which premiered on the streaming platform on September 22, 2023, has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike for its gripping storyline and stellar performances.
‘The Black Book’ follows the quest for justice by Paul Edima, a former military guerrilla played by Nollywood icon Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), who seeks to avenge the death of his son, who was framed and killed by a corrupt police gang. Along the way, he teams up with a journalist, Vic Kalu, played by Ade Laoye, who is determined to expose the truth behind the killings and the corruption that plagues the country.
The film, which was produced and directed by Editi Effiong, boasts of an impressive cast that includes some of the veterans of Nollywood, such as Sam Dede, Alex Usifo, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Patrick Doyle, and Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett. The film also showcases the talent and potential of the younger generation of actors, such as Olumide Oworu, Bimbo Akintola, and Femi Branch.
The film’s success is a testament to the growth and development of Nollywood, which has overcome many challenges, such as lack of funding, piracy, and poor distribution, to become one of the largest and most influential film industries in the world. According to a report by PwC, Nollywood generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2020, making it the second-largest film industry in the world by volume, after Bollywood.
The film also marks a milestone for Netflix, which has been investing in African content and expanding its reach in the continent. Netflix has acquired and produced several original films and series from Africa, such as ‘Queen Sono’, ‘Blood and Water’, ‘Citation’, and ‘King of Boys’. Netflix has also partnered with local filmmakers and distributors, such as EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Entertainment, and Anakle Films, to showcase the diversity and richness of African stories.
The Black Book is not only a historic achievement for Nollywood, but also a source of inspiration and hope for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers in Africa and beyond. It shows that Nollywood is not limited by geographical boundaries; its stories can resonate with audiences across the globe.
Source: Business Day
