FilmOne Entertainment, in conjunction with Amplify Africa Inc. and Part Two Media (USA) have announced the release of Nollywood December blockbusters, Battle on Buka Street and Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper in theatres across 11 cities in the United States of America.
Both movies, Battle on Buka Street and Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper, exclusively showing at select Regal theatres, will begin airing on the 30th of December 2022 and 13th of January 2023 respectively. Following their releases, both movies will become the first indigenous Nollywood movies to be shown in a United States mainstream cinema chain.
FilmOne Entertainment, territorial distributor and co-producer of the film, revealed that the international release is in line with its strategy to broaden reach for indigenous titles beyond streaming infrastructures, and onto the international playing field. Co-founders, Kene Okwuosa and Moses Babatope, expressed their joint satisfaction. “We are excited about the international releases of Battle on Buka Street and Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper mainly because the global cinema audience deserves to experience the brilliance they bring to the big screen. Over the years, we have continued to ensure that Nollywood’s global exports reflect entertainment, decked in authentic and rich story-telling, conveying positive narratives about Nigeria and Africa, and we are confident that both titles tick these boxes and much more,” they said.
Speaking on the releases, Craig Shurn of Part Two Media expressed his enthusiasm, “Since working with Kene and Moses for the last 8 years, we have always wanted to bring Nigerian movies and talent to the rest of the world. We are truly excited to share both Buka Street and Ijakumo with US audiences as they are perfect films to start with. Being the first mainstream cinema chain to play a Nollywood movie, our partners at Regal have shown that they believe in diversifying and broadening their audience.”
Battle on Buka Street is directed by Tobi Makinde and movie icon Funke Akindele, who is also executive producer, producer and lead actor. It features stars like Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Sola Sobowale, Tina Mba, Nkem Owoh, and Femi Jacobs. The film is co-produced by Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network (FAAN), and mirrors the record-breaking box office performance of Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Funke Akindele’s 2020 production.
Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper is co-produced by Toyin Abraham Production (TAP), directed by Steve Sodiya & Adebayo Tijan with Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi as executive producer, producer and lead actor. It stars award-winning actors including Kunle Remi, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, Eso Dike and Lolade Afegbai.
Watch the trailer for Battle on Buka Street and Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper here.