It is hashtag “merger of the decade” as Anakle Films, under the leadership of Editi Effiong, take over RMD Productions, owned and led by Nigerian actor and writer Richard Mofe Damijo, and make him the new Chairman, Board of Directors of Anakle Films.
Editi Effiong, the director of Black Book, verified this yesterday at the 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF.
RMD, in his capacity as a character in the film, has been extraordinarily kind in sharing his experience of being a part of its development since the news of its release emerged earlier this year.
He told stories about how taxing the film was for him—having to lose weight and build mental rigor—including one day on set when he was angry and no one tried to appease him despite his status in the Nigerian film industry, only to discover that letting him stew was an intentional way to draw out his emotions.
RMD shared in an interview with The Leadership:
The journey to The Black Book was a transformative one for me, both professionally and personally. Meeting with Editi Effiong and embracing the physical and emotional demands of my role was the invigorating challenge that took me to new heights.
As I step into my new position at Anakle Films, I’m excited to contribute to the growth and innovation of African storytelling. We have a rich history and vibrant culture that deserve to be shared with audiences far and wide. The Black Book is an example of what we can achieve, and I believe it is only the beginning of what’s to come.”
Editi Effiong, who has received national and international acclaim for one of the best directing debuts and a film financing initiative, added, “Nigerians are amazing storytellers. It is core to who we are. But as a culture, we have tended to distance ourselves, especially in the creative storytelling genre, from the harsher realities of what military rule and corruption did to our nation in the 1970s and beyond. With Richard Mofe-Damijo joining our team, we will add a new layer of excellence to our storytelling”.
Following this merger, Anakle Films already has a 14-project production schedule in place, encompassing film and television series spanning numerous genres, from drama to thrillers, among others, with the first of them set to begin production in the first quarter of 2024.
Cheers to more RMD-Editi Effiong magic!
