The acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker shifts production for the sequel series from Nigeria to Ghana, marking an international collaboration with the Ghanaian National Film Authority.
Kunle Afolayan Explores Ghana’s Locations for New Season of “Anikulapo: Rise of the Sceptre”
BY Fareedat Taofeeq
July 24, 2024
11:17 pm
Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has begun scouting locations in Ghana, marking a significant departure from the first season of “Anikulapo: Rise of the Sceptre”, which was exclusively shot in Nigeria.
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Afolayan shared several photos of his location scouting in Ghana on social media. These images depict the filmmaker exploring the diverse landscapes and architectural beauty that Ghana has to offer.
This location scouting marks the beginning of an international collaboration between the Nigerian film industry and Ghana’s National Film Authority led by Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, aimed at showcasing Ghana’s cinematic potential on the global stage.
In an Instagram post, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, the CEO of Ghana’s National Film Authority, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Ghana is calling on the world to come and shoot in Ghana and capture the very beautiful sceneries and facilities Ghana has in their movies.” The partnership aims to draw attention to Ghana’s growing appeal as a filming destination and foster stronger ties between the two West African countries’ film industries.
The first season of Anikulapo was entirely filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) Film Village in Igbojaye, Oyo State, Nigeria, with a substantial cast and crew of 600 people. The series serves as a continuation of the 2022 Netflix original film Anikulapo which tells the story of Saro, a mysterious textile weaver, and his entanglement with Queen Arolake in Oyo.
The sequel series, “Anikulapo: Rise of the Sceptre,” released in Netflix earlier in 2024, explores the aftermath of Saro’s resurrection. It continues to follow his dubious escapades, juxtaposed with Arolake’s rise to wealth and power, which inevitably leads her to confront new adversaries. The series explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the complex dynamics of power.
The decision to film in Ghana is a strategic move that shows the potential for cross-border collaboration in West African cinema.
This move is expected to have a ripple effect on the regional film industry, encouraging more filmmakers to consider international collaborations and showcasing West African talent and stories on a broader platform.