The actor’s first feature as director will open in cinemas nationwide on October 17.
Daniel Etim Effiong’s “The Herd” Mirrors Nigeria’s Kidnapping Reality
Crime thrillers continue to drive the Nigerian box office, and The Herd joins the list with a story rooted in one of the country’s most unsettling realities.
The film is set for a nationwide cinema release on October 17, 2025.
The Herd tells a tense, human story about what it means to be kidnapped by herdsmen, an experience that has become part of Nigeria’s national anxiety, especially in the northern region. According to its logline, the film explores “love, survival, and sacrifice, where every choice comes with a cost.”
The ensemble cast includes Daniel Etim Effiong, Genoveva Umeh, Kunle Remi, Norbert Young, Bolaji Ogunmola, Tina Mba, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Patrick Doyle, Jaiye Kuti, Adedimeji Lateef, Deyemi Okanlawon, Mercy Aigbe, Emeka Nwagbarocha, and Abba A. Zakky.
The project marks Effiong’s transition from actor to filmmaker after years of appearing in notable productions. The 90-minute feature premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it drew attention for its grounded storytelling and emotional range.
Produced under Tori Tori Films in collaboration with FilmOne Studios and Airscape Studios, The Herd is distributed by FilmOne Entertainment.