Nigeria’s film industry is set for a major cinematic release as veteran actor and filmmaker Wale Ojo unveiled his latest project, ‘This Is Not A Nollywood Movie’, an action comedy featuring a mix of veterans and Gen Zs in the entertainment scene.
At a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, Ojo, who wrote and directed the film, described it as a landmark project that bridges generations in Nollywood.
“I wrote this film, I directed it, and I got this band of crazy people around me. ‘This Is Not a Nollywood Movie’— it’s an action comedy,” he said. “It’s a mixture of bringing together the OGs and the Gen Zs. I’m so, so happy and very proud of this film. I think it’s going to be a real landmark movie.”
The star-studded cast includes Bimbo Akintola, Julius Agwu, Hank Anuku, Olumide Oworu, Broda Shaggi, Shatta Bandle, and Boma Akpore, who also serves as the producer.
“You just saw her in To Kill a Monkey, and she was so serious. But I guarantee you in ‘This Is Not a Nollywood Movie’, you are not going to recognise the one and only Bimbo Akintola, who’s going to play Queen Venus,” he said.
Julius Agwu, who features in the film, quipped: “The best thing is, This Is Not a Nollywood Movie.”
The film also marks the return of screen legend Hank Anuku. “This Is Not a Nollywood Movie has a lot of energy, suspense, goodness, blessings and the blessing of God makes it rich. Everyone who watches it will be so blessed that they’ll come looking for you in your houses. Go watch it!” Anuku said.
Ojo said the movie’s younger cast, including Bayo Valentino, brings freshness to the production. “He plays a glamorous Hollywood superstar in this movie, captivating, enticing, attractive. You all know him as the Fresh Prince, not of Bel-Air, but our own Fresh Prince of Lagos,” he added.
The film’s associate producer Ese Odometa described the production process as fulfilling.
“This was my first time working with Wale, and the experience was really great. We put in a lot of work and energy to make sure this project comes out well,” she said.
Producer Boma Akpore revealed that the movie will premiere in cinemas nationwide from December 6, with international screenings planned in the UK, US, Ghana, South Africa and Canada.
“There’s no film like This Is Not a Nollywood Movie. We did a teaser screening at Film One, and it blew everyone away. From the cast to the script, it stands out,” he said.
The film, distributed by Film One, tells the story of Okechukwu Nwadi Ibe, a failed Igbo movie director attempting a comeback. Ojo described the title as “a mystical one” that audiences would only understand after watching the movie.
“The answer lies in the film itself you need to see it to understand,” he said, adding that the teaser would drop on Thursday at 6 p.m.
He further highlighted the film’s diversity, saying, “This is a unified film: Yoruba actors playing Igbo characters, Igbo actors playing Yoruba characters, Lagosians playing international roles. It’s a film like no other.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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