Nollywood movie shootings and releases delayed by the Coronavirus Outbreak
Since the world began dealing with the outbreak of the Coronavirus, every aspect of life has been adversely affected. With its spread from the origin country of China to Europe and to Africa, we have been required to partake in the social distancing and stay home policies. Every aspect of movie production has been put on hold. This has required movie industries worldwide to make major changes in movie releases and shootings.
How does this affect Nollywood?
With the arrival of the first COVID-19 case in Nigeria on 27th February, 2020, till when the virus was declared a global pandemic, Nollywood has had to take a step back in its movie production. As we know, there are different aspects to finished movies, from location scouting to costume to directing, a lot of people are involved in the process of film and movie development.
It, literally, takes a village.
But when we are required to stay at home and not congregate, for film and movie lovers, what this means is that it becomes impossible for movies to be produced.
Here are some movie releases and shootings delayed and postponed by the covid19 outbreak;
1. Namaste Wahala;
The first Bollywood/Nollywood collaboration, though we wonder why this has not happened before now, is the first of its kind. Nollywood and Bollywood (Hindu Film Industry) are two of the biggest movie industries in the world and we have the super extra love for weddings and ceremonies. The Hamisha Daryani- Ahuja Film brings to life a story of love, diversity, and comedy while displaying our cultures in full force for both Nollywood and Bollywood movie lovers. Though it was set to be released on 24th of April, 2020, it has been postponed to October 2020.
2. Soft Work;
A Daresen Richards Film with the prestigious FilmOne distribution at the helm, viewers were anticipating the release of the crime drama on March 27, 2020 but even with the glitzy cast, it was indefinitely delayed with the outbreak of the coronavirus. The film features stars like Alex Ekubo, I.K Ogbonna, Akin Lewis, Frank Donga, Mofe Duncan, and Shaffy Bello amongst others. Viewers are impatiently awaiting the release of the movie.
3. Fate of Alakada: The Party Planner;
realnollywood – Nollywood movie shootings and releases delayed by the Coronavirus Outbreak
Viewers have progressively followed the release of the movies in its comedy series. From Alakada to Alakada Reloaded, the third installment, Fate of Alakada, was initially sched
uled for theatrical release on April 3, 2020. It was announced by Toyin Abraham, an Actress and the Alakada series film maker, on the 23rd of March that the release had been postponed due to the virus outbreak in Nigeria.
4. La Femme Anjola;
realnollywood – Nollywood movie shootings and releases delayed by the Coronavirus Outbreak
The Noir psychological thriller directed by Mildred Okwo starring Rita Dominic and Nonso Bassey has also been affected by the virus. Though the movie is on its final post-production stage, the restriction of movement and the ban on any large gathering and the advice of the government for the citizens to practice social distancing have affected the process. The plans for screening the movie at film festivals have also been affected by the pandemic as International Film festivals continues to push back scheduled events.
5. Netflix’s First Original Nigerian Series;
Finally, the popular US streaming service, Netflix, decided to have an original Nigerian series but this was also affected as the production activities were quickly suspended in the country. Directed by Akin Omotoso, the activities of the series were halted following a directive from the US streamer. There has been no information pertaining the resumption of its activities. The series features a glitzy cast of Kate Henshaw, Bankole Wellington, Adesuwa Etomi, Richard Mofe Damijo, Bimbo Akintola, Joke Silva, Ramsey Nouah, Omoni Oboli, and other popular stars of the industry.
Some other productions and releases affected include;
• Ratnik
• Our Jesus Story.
