Over the past eight years, Netflix has invested over $23 million in Nigerian films, helping elevate Nollywood to international recognition.
As part of its strategy to expand African content, Netflix’s support has included not just acquisitions but also exclusive commissions, aiding in the production of groundbreaking films that have captivated global audiences.
Despite recent reports of Netflix scaling back its commissioning efforts, focusing now on acquiring films that meet its production standards, the platform has still played a pivotal role in shaping Nollywood’s global presence.
From 2016 to 2022, Netflix’s contribution extended beyond financial investments, including support for film schools and other initiatives aimed at growing the African film industry.
In light of these changes, Nairametrics is spotlighting top Nigerian producers who have successfully partnered with Netflix over the years, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Nollywood.
These producers have not only helped create films that have achieved global acclaim but have also contributed to the growth of a sustainable film industry that continues to push boundaries.
As Netflix redefines its strategy in the African market, the legacy of these partnerships remains a significant part of the narrative for Nigerian cinema’s international success.
Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, is a leading figure in Africa’s entertainment industry. Widely referred to as “Africa’s most successful woman” by Forbes, she is a talk show host, TV producer, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist.
Abudu is the founder and CEO of EbonyLife, Africa’s first global black entertainment network, which launched in 2013 on Multichoice DSTV Channel 165.
Abudu has played a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s media landscape, producing films and TV shows that showcase African talent and stories to a global audience. Some of her remarkable works include:
- Oloture 1 & 2: A gritty, eye-opening film about a young journalist who goes undercover to expose human trafficking, featuring powerful performances by Sharon Ooja and Beverly Osu. The first instalment had a 1.300 million hours of view while the second part had 1.5 million views.
- Blood Sisters: A hit Netflix movie that ranked #9 on the top 10 most-watched movies for the week of May 2-8, 2022. It garnered over 11 million hours of viewing and is produced by EbonyLife TV Studios.
- Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman: An adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, exploring tradition and culture in colonial Nigeria, directed by Biyi Bandele with a star-studded cast including Odunlade Adekola and Shaffy Bello.
- Wedding Party 2: A continuation of the popular wedding-themed comedy, following the lives of its beloved characters.
