Netflix plans to adapt multiple Nigerian novels into blockbuster movies.
In the past few years, Netflix has invested significantly into Nollywood by funding multiple original projects such as Jagun Jagun and Òlòtūré. However, the streamer now, intends to pull content from the Nigerian literary space.
This initiative began with the late Biyi Bandele-directed 2022 film ‘Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman’. Likewise, the streamer’s next Nigerian literary adaptation is Genevieve Nnaji’s upcoming ‘I Do Not Come To You By Chance, premiering this September.
These films are just the beginning, as the streamer recently announced at the ongoing MIP Africa event in South Africa that it is collaborating with several African filmmakers and studios. These include South African-based Nigerian filmmaker Akin Omotoso and Ochre Moving Pictures, who will direct a Nigerian book adaptations for it’s Nollywood division.
Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s director of content for the Middle East and Africa. Disclosed that the streaming giant has signed multiple partnership agreements with local production companies like Ochre Moving Pictures . Although, Netflix is yet to provide any official information about the projects. On its website, Ochre Moving Pictures hints that five Nigerian novels are currently under production as part of its deal with Netflix. These include:
- The drama series ‘Every Day is For The Thief,’ by Joseph Adesunloye, which is based on Teju Cole’s novel.
- Waiting for an Angel’ by Helon Habila.
- ‘Pirates’, a novel based on a series of newspaper essays by Femi Osofisan titled ‘Tales the Country Told Me.’
- ‘Midlands’ by John Steinberg.
- ‘The drama series Ibadan, by Titilope Sonuga and based on the memoirs of Wole Soyinka.
Further, the website lists these books in the African Book Club section of the website. The section states that The African Book Club acquires television adaptation rights to classic contemporary African literary works. In addition, these works are aimed at the global African diaspora and international viewers. Who are drawn to the universal themes and unique context of African storytelling.
Likewise, according to the website, Akin Omotoso and Andrew Dosunmu will adapt Pirates. While British-Nigerian director Joseph Adesunloye adapting”Everyday is for the Thief” into a four-part drama series.