“The Black Book,” a gripping Nigerian action thriller depicting corruption and police brutality in Africa’s most populous country , has shattered records on Netflix’s global charts. This feat is emphasizing Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry’s power and potential.
This $1 million movie, The Black Book is financed by Nigerian money and supported by tech experts and founders within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Within 48 hours of its release, the phenomenon garnered 5.6 million views. It rapidly climbed the ranks to feature among the top 10 titles in 69 countries. According to Netflix, the movie peaked at No. 3 after spending three weeks among the top 10 English Language titles globally.
The Black Book Global Impact
Producer Editi Effiong, ecstatic about the film’s global impact.
“Films are made for audiences, and the bigger the audience for a film, the better the chances of your message going out.”
Effiong emphasized the film’s Nigerian origins, highlighting that it was entirely crafted by Nigerians and funded with local resources, yet it resonated with audiences worldwide.
The Black Book Storyline
“The Black Book” narrates Nigeria’s complex history, spanning four decades from the era of military regimes arbitrarily killing dissidents to the present day, marked by pervasive police brutality and abuse of power. The storyline revolves around the abduction of the family members of the head of the Nigerian oil regulatory agency, orchestrated by corrupt police officers working for influential politicians.
The protagonist, ex-officer-turned-pastor Paul Edima, portrayed by Nigerian icon Richard Mofe-Damijo, seeks vengeance after his only son’s death. Edima’s son was wrongly accused of orchestrating the abduction, then murdered by the corrupt officers. The movie delves into the issue of delayed justice, echoing real-life struggles faced by many in Nigeria. Effiong, speaking about the film’s inspiration, remarked, “It is a fictional narrative but this is what Nigeria was,” emphasizing the film’s role in reflecting the nation’s history.
Comparison to John Wick
Despite comparisons to the American action thriller “John Wick,” “The Black Book” stands as a testament to Nigeria’s filmmaking prowess, captivating global audiences and underscoring the potential of Africa’s film industry. Netflix, recognizing the richness of African narratives, remains committed to investing in African content and showcasing diverse stories.
Effiong, enthusiastic about Nigeria’s film industry, emphasized, “The Black Book is a film by Black people, Black actors, Black producers, Black money 100%, and it’s gone ahead to become a global blockbuster.” The success of “The Black Book” serves as a beacon, signaling the world to take notice of Nigeria’s vibrant and impactful cinema landscape.
