Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has joined forces with acclaimed Nigerian actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli to release seven new holiday films, a collaborative effort designed to broaden audience access to local cinematic productions and fortify the nation's creative sector through digital distribution networks.
The feature-length movies, created under the Omoni Oboli TV banner, were officially unveiled during a festive movie mixer held at the telecommunication company's corporate rooftop venue in Lagos. The gathering attracted a diverse audience of industry stakeholders, including actors, directors, digital creators, and entertainment executives, all converging to honor Nigerian storytelling ahead of the holiday season.
How does digital distribution impact local filmmakers?
During a fireside chat moderated by media personality Sir Kenn, Ms. Oboli and Barene Jankovich-Besan, a strategic YouTube consultant, discussed the shifting landscape of Nigerian entertainment. Speaking on the commercial aspect of the venture, Ms. Oboli emphasized that affordability is crucial for expanding viewership and increasing revenue streams for industry professionals.
She noted that the integration with the telecommunications network's data offerings enables viewers to stream full-length features at minimal costs, removing financial barriers for everyday fans. According to the filmmaker, higher engagement directly translates to better financial returns, allowing creators to employ more talent and expand future production capacities.
"It’s not a joke. It’s serious business. There are people here who, all they want in life is their bread and water. That’s how their rent is paid. That’s how their kids eat," Ms. Oboli remarked, underlining the socio-economic weight carried by commercial filmmaking in the country.
What role does corporate backing play in Nollywood?
Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Segments at MTN Nigeria , stated that the collaboration underscores the company's dedication to fostering the creative economy and generating sustainable prospects for domestic talents. He explained that aligning with independent content creators forms part of a broader corporate strategy to connect audiences with authentic local narratives.
"At MTN, we recognise that connectivity goes beyond access to the internet. It enables creativity, innovation and economic opportunity. We believe Nigeria’s creative industry has enormous potential to entertain, create jobs, build businesses and take our stories to the world," Mr. Adesokan stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Ms. Jankovich-Besan pointed out that the universal appeal of romance, family dynamics, and emotional conflict continues to draw substantial international attention toward Nollywood productions. She highlighted statistics indicating that a significant portion of digital views for specific Nigerian titles originate from outside the African continent, signaling a growing global footprint for indigenous digital cinema.
The newly introduced slate of holiday projects encompasses titles such as Seasoned With Love, Christmas on Budget, Memories on the Rooftop, Promise Me December, A Bride for the Season, Christmas Between Worlds, and Short Sweet 2. The creator noted that these narratives focus heavily on core themes of affection, reconciliation, and familial togetherness.