The Black Book Sets Record as First Nollywood Film to Top Netflix Worldwide 

In a landmark achievement for Nollywood, Editi Effiong’s film, The Black Book, has reached unparalleled acclaim internationally, marking its place as the first Nollywood creation to top the charts on Netflix globally. The movie which went live on the streaming platform on 22nd of September has met the high viewers’ anticipation thanks to the social media mileage it generated when the announcement was made with a trailer in August.

This movie’s success is really important for Nollywood. It has helped solve a big problem, that is getting money for big movies. The movie shows what can happen when people have a clear goal, talent, and are willing to work hard. The movie has made history and has started a new chapter for Nollywood movies. 

The Black Book is a directorial debut

Editi Effiong faced significant challenges as he directed “The Black Book,” a landmark film for Nollywood with a massive budget of $1 million, a noteworthy feat for any director, especially a first-timer. Despite initial hesitations, renowned actors like Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) joined the cast, delivering captivating performances in this groundbreaking project. The movie, which echoes certain Hollywood plots, stands apart due to its unique execution and the vivid backdrop of Lagos life, marked by a blend of poverty, crime, corruption, and flamboyance. 

Effiong, a relative newcomer to Nollywood with a handful of projects under his belt, portrays a willingness to learn and innovate, evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the refreshing creativity infused in the film. Despite the daunting challenges, including confronting natural obstacles during the shoot, Effiong’s resolve and the movie’s success are poised to redefine his standing in the industry.

What the movie is about

The movie is about Paul Edima, played by veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe Damijo RMD, who is trying really hard to get justice. Paul Edima, a father with intense love, is relentless, refusing to accept rejection from a corrupt police force after his only son is wrongfully accused of being a kidnapper and mercilessly killed.

Desiring a tranquil and ordinary life following his retirement from many years of active military duty, Paul quickly learns that a normal life is unattainable for those with a history marked by violence. His turbulent past manages to trace him even to the most secluded corner of the world where he sought to begin anew.

After the death of his son, Damilola Edima, all Paul sought was to give his son a dignified burial. However, the more he endeavored to move forward, the more evident it became that there was more to his son’s death than met the eye. Additionally, he faced the hurdle of public bureaucracy and corrupt police officers who assaulted him and left him for dead in a river.

Subsequently, he yielded to the continuous urgings of Vic Kalu, a journalist who had suspected corruption and was probing into the systemic irregularities. She possessed the tenacity of her mother, a former journalist, working persistently to unveil the truth and expose the malpractices within the system.

What makes The Black Book exceptional

Several elements render The Black Book relatable. The depiction of street thug life, the distinctive honking from danfo buses characteristic of Lagos streets, a street child tapping on the window of a yellow taxi seeking help, the lively afrobeats tunes enhancing some scenes, and a duplicitous newspaper owner trying to conceal stories for her influential patrons.

Tech founders doubles as executive producers 

Of the sixteen individuals credited as executive producers, at least eleven are notable tech founders, CEOs, and investors. These include Kola Oyeneyin of Opportunik Global Fund, Adesunbomi Plumptre from Volition Cap, Ezra Olubi from Paystack, Odunayo Oweniyi and Somto Ifezue from Piggyvest, Joshua Chibueze of Piggyvest, Gbenga Agboola of Flutterwave, Kola Aina from Ventures Partner, Olumide Soyombo of Blue Chip Technologies, and Nadayar Enegesi and Prosper Otemuyiwa from Eden Life.

Other Iconic actors in the movie

The Black Book really has a special group of actors in it. They are very talented, and actors like Sam Dede, Alex Usifo, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Patrick Doyle, and Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett have done a great job. Their work makes the movie even better and shows how great Nollywood is in making movies. The Black Book has made history and has started a new chapter for Nollywood movies. It shows that Nollywood movies can be loved by people everywhere in the world.