About Us
Amplifying African Stories on the Global Stage
Anakle Films is a passionate team of filmmakers on a mission: to bring the next generation of African stories to the world stage. Founded in Lagos, Nigeria in 2018, we’ve become a leading voice in African storytelling, captivating global audiences with our heartfelt, character-driven films.
We push the boundaries of African narratives with an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Leveraging various formats and media for storytelling such as local animation and CGI, we champion the vibrant richness and diverse beauty of African culture, amplifying the voices and celebrating the communities that make our stories so unique. We believe in the power of cinema to unite, inspire, and challenge the status quo.
Why Anakle Films?
We Understand Nollywood and Storytelling
Anakle Films was birthed to tell the next generation of African stories for a global audience and we are committed to this mission.
To stay true to our commitment and our goals, we work with world-class standards and a team of A-players who execute at a very high level, constantly challenging our decision-making.
We have helped brands and clients create visual stories including short films and TV/Online commercials. Our latest feature “The Black Book” has been described as “Nollywood’s biggest film yet” by CNN, and “an incredibly powerful film” by Reuters.
2018
Anakle Films was established in Lagos Nigeria, producing its debut feature, “Up North”, as part of an ORM initiative in collaboration with the Bauchi state government, boosting tourism by over 500%. Directed by Tope Oshin, and starring Banky Williams as a young man on his National Service assignment. “Up North” explores themes of love, friendship, and family politics.
Envisioning the Future
2019
Niyi Akinmolayan’s Nigerian crime thriller, “The Set Up,” premiered and quickly achieved box office success. It follows a former drug smuggler and a scam artist who finds herself in over her head when hired by a failed businessman. We follow Chike as she abandons any remaining innocence and falls further down a rabbit hole of corporate greed.
Envisioning the Future
2020
In conjunction with the US Mission in Nigeria and the US Justice Department, we produced “Fishbone,” to raise awareness for pharmaceutical drug counterfeiting and trafficking as substandard drugs kill around 500,000 persons in sub-Saharan Africa each year. This short film, starring Shaffy Bello as the drug lord, went on to become a viral success on YouTube.
Envisioning the Future
2021
For his directorial debut, Abosi Ogba wrote “Day of Destiny,” published by Anakle Films, the first Nigerian family adventure film and the country’s first-ever time travel movie. It also secured the distinction of being the first Nigerian film released in 2021. In this sci-fi adventure, we journey with two teenage brothers who travel into the past to change their family’s fortunes.
Envisioning the Future
2022
Directed by Naz Onuzo, “The Set Up 2,” was released on August 12th co-produced by Inkblot Productions, Film One Entertainment, and Anakle Films. The highly anticipated sequel to the successful first release, lived up to the hype as we experienced the fallout from Chike’s adventures 4 years later.
Envisioning the Future
2023
“The Black Book” premieres on Netflix, shattering records by becoming the most successful African title, the first Nigerian title to reach the #1 spot globally in four days, topping charts in numerous countries including South Korea and hitting top 10 in 69 countries. Building on our success, Anakle Films is now incorporated in Canada, igniting exciting international collaborations in the film industry.
Envisioning the Future
Today
Anakle Films continues its mission to pique global interest and propel African storytelling onto the world stage by developing and producing multi-picture slates for film and television, featuring captivating African stories designed to resonate with a diverse audience.
Envisioning the Future
The Team Behind Anakle Films
Editi Effiong
Founder
Mimi Bartels
Co-Founder
Ashley Opusunju
General Manager
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
Board Chairman
Flying Whale
(Coming soon)
Every day, Nigerian stories come to life, and we’re here to share them with you in a way that feels close to home. Welcome to Flying Whale, where we bring Nigerian stories to Nigerians with a fresh, local touch.
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