In the last decade, we’ve seen exceptional growth in Nollywood. From Fifty, Wedding Party, Lionheart, Isoken and King of Boys to Blood Sisters, Shanty Town, Far From Home and Anikulapo, it’s safe to say the industry has its foot on our necks and isn’t letting up anytime soon.
Lately, Nollywood has taken the action thriller genre and done with it as it wishes. In 2023 alone, we’ve had Gangs of Lagos, Almajiri, The Trade and Jagun Jagun, with more such movies in the pipeline.
Written and directed by Editi Effiong, The Black Book might still be in the works, but here’s all we know about the star-studded action thriller.
The director’s feature-length debut
Although he’s known for producing big-name projects like Up North, Day of Destiny and The Set Up, this is Editi Effiong’s first attempt at directing a feature-length film. His debut was born out of necessity. The filmmakers Editi approached couldn’t commit to working exclusively on his project for a year.
Production was tough
The director and his crew had many challenges and jumped hurdles to shoot The Black Book. From building a road on set to building an airstrip to the COVID breakouts to transporting a 50KVA generator into Tarkwa Bay for a “simple” night scene, they did it all.
It’s been a long time coming
The Netflix original title took two years to write, a year of pre-production and 13 months to film.
It’s a million-dollar baby
When Seyi Vibez sang Million Dollar Baby
This budget covered the cost of guns, props, security, shipping generators to Tarkwa Bay for night shooting, and hiring professionals from six different countries, including the UK, the US and South Africa.
It’s heading straight to Netflix
As announced at the “Lights, Camera … Naija” Netflix event, The Black Book will be released on the platform between late 2023 and early 2024.
Inspired by most Hollywood action flicks
In the movie, a father has to fall back on his military training to get justice for his son who was killed by a group of corrupt policemen. Sound familiar?
Strong stories call for strong performers
The Black Book stars Ikechukwu Onunaku, Alex Usifo Omiagbo, Kelechi Udegbe, Denola Grey, Ireti Doyle, Shaffy Bello, Patrick Doyle, Bimbo Manuel, Norbert Young, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Asabe Madaki and Olumide Oworu. Richard Mofe-Damijo plays Paul Edima, the father, a part he spent a year preparing for, following a strict diet and working out regularly.
RMD dedicated 13 months
In Nollywood, more often than not, actors are allowed to work on multiple projects at the same time. But for The Black Book, Richard Mofe Damijo had to reject other projects and focus his time and energy on it. This might have something to do with the year-long preparation mentioned earlier.
