Canal+ Partners With Anakle’s Flying Whale on 10-Film Slate

Canal+ has commissioned 10 made-for-television films from Flying Whale, the newly launched production label under Nigerian studio Anakle Films, marking another major investment in Africa’s growing film and television industry.

The agreement, which already has four completed productions, underscores the French media giant’s continued expansion across the continent as it strengthens its original African programming following its acquisition of MultiChoice. It also reflects increasing international demand for Nigerian stories, with local production companies attracting partnerships from global broadcasters and streaming platforms.

The collaboration became public at this year’s NollywoodWeek Paris, where Hope for Everyday, one of the commissioned films, screened ahead of its television premiere. Produced in partnership with Canal+’s ROK Studios, the social-impact drama explores HIV awareness and stars Kayode Ojuolape Jr., Femi Jacobs, Wunmi Tuase-Fosudo, Ego Ihenacho and Ariyiike Owolagba. The film is expected to debut later this year on one of Canal+’s Nollywood-focused television channels.

The partnership began after Canal+ executives watched The Black Book during FAME Week Africa in Cape Town. Directed by Editi Effiong, The Black Book became one of Netflix’s most-watched African originals after its 2023 release, which introduced Anakle Films to a wider international audience and opened the door to new collaborations.

Canal+ Programming Director for ROK and Nollywood channels, Cédric Pierre-Louis, said discussions with Effiong focused on whether Anakle could adapt its filmmaking approach to television budgets, which are significantly lower than those typically allocated to feature films. The conversations eventually led to an agreement to produce 10 television films, with four already completed and delivered.

For Canal+, the deal is the latest step in a broader strategy of investing in African production companies. Alongside its majority stake in Nigeria’s ROK Studios, the company has backed production outfits including Côte d’Ivoire’s Plan A, Rwanda’s Zacu Entertainment and Senegal’s Marodi TV. Its acquisition of MultiChoice has further strengthened its position across African pay television, streaming, and original content production.

For Anakle Films, Flying Whale represents an expansion beyond theatrical releases into television production. Led by The Black Book director Editi Effiong, the company has previously co-produced films including Up North, The Set Up franchise and Day of Destiny, and its international success with The Black Book has now supported this move. It has also announced plans for The Black Book 2, with producer Nicholas Weinstock attached to the sequel.