Acclaimed Nigerian director Bolanle Austen-Peters has unveiled her ambitious new project: The BAP Productions Film Village in Epe, Lagos.
The expansive 10,000-acre facility boasts buildings featuring traditional Yoruba architecture, massive courtyards, and lush green landscapes. It recently served as the backdrop for “House of Ga’a,” Austen-Peters’ popular Netflix series set in the 18th-century Oyo Empire.
“It’s open for business to filmmakers and excursions,” the 55-year-old lawyer-turned-director announced on social media.
With this venture, Austen-Peters joins Kunle Afolayan and Ibrahim Chatta as individual owners of film villages in Nigeria, with the latter two operating facilities in Oyo state.
The announcement has generated excitement within the filmmaking community. Nigerian journalist and poet Tolu Ogunlesi expressed keen interest in visiting the site.
Addressing concerns about the village’s versatility, Austen-Peters assured that while it currently showcases historical settings, “We intend to use it for modern films too later.”
Film villages play a crucial role in Nigerian cinema, providing dedicated spaces for productions requiring specific settings. This latest addition further solidifies Austen-Peters’ position as a key cultural influencer in the evolving Nollywood landscape.
The BAP Productions Film Village represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s film infrastructure, potentially attracting both local and international productions to the Epe region.