The streaming platform took center stage in celebrating International Women’s Day, spotlighting the talents of women filmmakers from Nigeria and beyond.
Netflix Reveals Diverse Slate of Women-Led Films and Series
BY Fareedat Taofeeq
March 13, 2024
2:52 pm
Netflix seized the opportunity of the International Women’s Day celebration to amplify the voices of women in the film industry, particularly those from Nigeria and Africa, with the ‘Her Voice, Our Story’ event, hosted in collaboration with EbonyLife TV’s Mo Abudu in Lagos last week.
The event served as a platform for prominent female figures to share insights into their journeys as women in the creative industry.
“Diversity in storytelling is paramount for Netflix, and we are proud to collaborate with the female powerhouse in the creative industry to bring their stories to life,” expressed Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix’s Director of Content in Africa.
The event not only honored inspiring women in front of and behind the camera but also unveiled a diverse slate of upcoming films and series. Each project showcases the unique perspectives and remarkable storytelling of women filmmakers, promising to captivate audiences worldwide.
One of the highly anticipated series is ‘Òlòtūré: The Journey’. This gripping narrative follows a young journalist working undercover as a sex worker in Nigeria, risking her life to expose corruption and forge a path to Europe. The series boasts a stellar cast featuring Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Beverly Osu, and others, under the executive production of Mo Abudu.
Adding a chilling twist to the lineup is “Baby Farm”, a series that unfolds the story of Adanna, an unsuspecting pregnant woman who unknowingly entrusts her unborn twins to a high-profile NGO. Little does she know; she becomes a captive in a sinister operation orchestrated by the ruthless Doctor Oliver Evans and his wife. Starring Rita Dominic and Joseph Benjamin, the series promises to expose dark truths while changing the lives of its characters forever.
“Postcards,” another upcoming series, takes viewers on a journey of love and self-discovery with four conflicted Nigerians in India. Directed and produced by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, the series features a cast including Sola Sobowale, Tobi Bakre, and Richard Mofe-Damijo.
Venturing into the realm of historical drama, “House of Ga’a” is set in the 18th-century Oyo Empire. The film unfolds the true-life events surrounding Bashorun Ga’a, a Prime Minister/kingmaker who wielded immense power. Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters and produced by Austen-Peters and Joseph Umoibom, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Femi Branch, Funke Akindele, and Ibrahim Chatta.
Exploring the consequences of moral compromise is “To Kill a Monkey”, a series directed and produced by Kemi Adetiba. The story revolves around Efemini, whose life takes a drastic turn after a chance meeting with an old friend, leading him into the world of cybercrime. The series features a talented cast, including Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, and Bimbo Akintola.
While the release dates for these promising projects have yet to be communicated, Netflix assures audiences of a diverse and empowering viewing experience.
Fan-favorite reality series “Young Famous and African” is also set to return for its third season, alongside the fourth season of the school drama “Blood and Water”.
As part of Women’s Month, global stories such as “Furies”, “Damsel”, and “Shirley” are slated to stream on Netflix this month, further enriching the celebration of strong women both on and off the screen.