Nigerian film production company, Play Network Studios has outlined an ambitious slate of nine new films for 2024.
Studio co-founder Charles Okpaleke recently took to his Instagram page to preview the roster of reboots, biopics, and original stories aimed to capture pivotal moments in the nation’s history.
While promising to divulge more information about the films’ production next month, he captioned the post, “But first…let’s take a break this Jan. to relax and appreciate God for an amazing 2023 and a wonderful 2024!! “See you in February!!”
Toplining the prospective projects are remakes of cult favorites like “Diamond Ring” directed by veterans Taiwo Ogidan and “Karishika, “which follows the story of a demon sent by Lucifer to seduce men into his fold using sex, money, and other temptations. The roster also includes biopics “Shina Rambo,” chronicling the infamous 1990s-armed robber, and “King Jaja,” following the pioneering slave trader-turned-abolitionist.
Additional entries aimed to dramatize impactful episodes in Nigeria’s past are “Igbo Landing,” centered on a seminal 18th century slave revolt, and “Billionaires Club,” drawing inspiration from the nation’s recent financial scandals.
While details remain sparse ahead of a planned February announcement, Okpaleke promises that marquee talents like Ramsey Nouah and Becky Ngozi Okorie will headline the cast. Directors and producers Nouah and Okpaleke himself will steer several shipments.
The revelation of Play Network’s 2024 pipeline comes on the heels of their Netflix debut “Blood Vessel.” The studio appears primed to cement themselves as dominant players in contemporary Nollywood by reimagining past classics and producing socially relevant original stories.