Having successfully produced a range of titles, including “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free” (2019), “Nneka The Pretty Serpent” (2020), “Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story” (2020), “Aki And Pawpaw” (2021), and “Glamour Girls” (2022), Play Network Studios led by CEO Charles Okpaleke and his team, seem to consistently draw inspiration drawn from harnessing old Nollywood nostalgia.
Here are the projects in Play Network’s pipeline for 2024, along with the available details:
IGBO LANDING
Igbo Landing narrates the tragic event of May 1803 when approximately 75 Igbo captives seized control of a slave ship headed for America. Rather than succumbing to the horrors of slavery, they united, overpowered their captors off the coast of Georgia, and chose mass suicide. Directed by Ramsey Nouah and produced by Chris Odeh, this project is set for worldwide premiere in 2025.
EKWUMEKWU
Ekwumekwu unfolds the resistance efforts of the Anioma people in modern-day Delta State against the British Empire during the late 1800s, inspired by Dr. Max Siollun’s narrative from the historical book, “What Britain Did To Nigeria.”
The film aims to spotlight the collaborative efforts of the Aro people and Anioma residents in safeguarding Igbo land. The filmmakers involved in the film project emphasizes a commitment to retelling African history, with this project shedding light on the Ekwumekwu Movement.
KING JAJA OF OPOBO
In 2021, Charles Okpaleke and Ramsey Nouah unveiled their intention to create a biopic about King Jaja of Opobo, the inaugural ruler and founder of Opobo city-state in present-day Rivers state. Following a meeting with King Dandeson Douglas, Jeki V(5th on the throne), during the sesquicentennial celebration of Opobo kingdom, the duo committed to presenting an authentic perspective influenced by actual historical events as recounted through generations of Opobo people.
THE HIJACK ’93: THE MAD MEN AND THE AIRCRAFT
The upcoming feature film, Hijack 93, delves into the 1993 plane hijack incident orchestrated by four Nigerian teenagers affiliated with the Movement for the Actualization of Democracy (MAD). Fueled by dissatisfaction with the aftermath of the presidential election, believed by many to be won by the late M.K.O Abiola, the film unfolds the gripping events of this historical event.
Co-produced by Rogers Ofime and Agozie Ugwu. Directed by Robert O. Peters, and featuring a stellar cast including Jemima Osunde, Idia Aisien, Ego Nwosu, John Dumelo, Yakubu Muahmmed, Efa Iwara, Nancy Isime, Sharon Ooja and Sani Muazu.
KARISHIKA
In 1996, the Nigerian horror movie, Karishika, a cult classic directed by the visionary Dr. Chika Christian Onu. The narrative centers around the bewitching Karishika, portrayed by Becky Ngozi Okorie, a demonic entity dispatched by Lucifer to ensnare men by exploiting their vulnerabilities through the allure of sex, wealth, and other tantalizing temptations.
On March 2nd, 2023, Okpaleke, a key player, disclosed the acquisition of the movie’s intellectual property rights, accompanied by a compelling call for horror filmmakers possessing the requisite skills.
DIAMOND RING
Diamond Ring, a film from 1998 crafted by the seasoned filmmaker Tade Ogidan, stands tall as one of the most iconic horror films in Nigerian cinema history. This spine-chilling narrative revolves around Chidi, portrayed by Teju “Babyface” Oyelakin, a university freshman compelled to plunder a cemetery to cement his position in a clandestine cult. However, his fate takes a terrifying turn when he pilfers a diamond ring from the clutches of a wrathful corpse, unleashing a series of dire consequences.
In November 2022, Okpaleke unveiled his plans to remake the film.
SHINA RAMBO
Shina Rambo, a name associated with a notorious armed robber, left a mark on the nation with his audacious exploits in the tumultuous 90s. However, the winds of change have swept over his life, transforming him into an unexpected figure—a pastor who has relinquished his former life of crime after a spending part of his life behind bars.
Okpaleke secured the intellectual property rights to Shina Rambo’s captivating story, signaling his intent to craft an action-packed biopic that would unfold the gripping chapters of this enigmatic figure’s life. The feature film is steadily advancing through the stages of development, with Ramsey Nouah as the director.
Osuofia Goes To Miami
In the comedic masterpiece “Osuofia Goes to London” (2003), Nkem Owoh brings to life the character of Osuofia, a village dweller embarking on a humorous adventure to London to claim his late brother’s estate, and possibly his English fiancée, in accordance with Igbo tradition.
Fast forward nearly two decades from the release of the original film, The return of the iconic Osuofia in a new Play Network project titled “Osuofia Goes to Miami,” is close. Nkem Owoh was set to reprise his role. The movie is to be directed by Agozie Ugwu, at least according to the information available.
The SIX
In the upcoming cinematic venture, The Six is set to unravel the enigmatic persona of Ramsey Nouah’s malevolent character, Richard Williams, renowned for his portrayal in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.
The spotlight will be firmly fixed on this delectably wicked mastermind as The Six delves deeper into the intricacies of his character. This cinematic odyssey will intricately connect with five other riveting Play Network productions, namely Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, Nneka The Pretty Serpent, and the yet-to-be-released Diamond Ring, Billionaires Club, and Karishika. As the narratives intertwine, characters from these diverse films will collide, giving birth to a unified dark cinematic universe
Man In The Mirror
There’s no information yet concerning this project.
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