Nigerian filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan, alongside his production company Anthill Studios, is set to push the boundaries of their influence in Nollywood by unveiling three projects this March.
With their current documentary feature, ‘Rainmaker,’ Akinmolayan pushes the experimental approach to filmmaking that established Anthill to a new frontier. The documentary, available on Prime Video, goes to such lengths that few would dare explore the mystical powers of traditional Nigerian deities in comparison with scientific weather prediction apps. Akinmolayan and his team travelled to different Nigerian states to meet twenty traditional rainmakers, conduct rituals, and create a documentary that delves into the intersection of ancient practices and modern technology.
In an exclusive conversation with Nollywire, Akinmolayan shared that the decision to make ‘Rainmaker’ stemmed from curiosity and a desire to push boundaries in filmmaking. Despite being a sought-after director with successful box-office hits, Akinmolayan emphasised Anthill Studios’ commitment to experimentation and unconventional storytelling.
Akinmolayan expressed gratitude to the traditional worshippers for their cooperation and encouraged embracing cultural curiosity. He hinted at more projects to come, underscoring the studio’s dedication to exploring diverse narratives.
‘Beast of Two Worlds,’ available in cinemas on March 29, 2024
Next on Anthill Studios’ agenda is ‘Beast of Two Worlds’ (Ajakaju), a collaboration with executive producer and Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao. The film explores the challenges faced by a king (played by Odunlade Adekola) seeking an heir, incorporating elements from another world that disrupt the kingdom’s stability. Anthill Studios, hailed as an epic movie juggernaut, aims to replicate the success of previous blockbusters like ‘King of Thieves’ and ‘Jagun Jagun.’
The star-studded cast includes Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Sola Sobowale, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Fathia Balogun, and Ibrahim Chatta. ‘Beast of Two Worlds’ is scheduled for a nationwide release on March 29, 2024, positioning it as an Easter blockbuster.
Anticipate Anthill Studios’ most ambitious set yet in ‘Casa De Novia’
Anthill is also gearing up for one of its most ambitious projects to date, ‘Casa De Novia,’ a romantic comedy directed by Uyoyou Adia. The film promises to bring a fresh perspective to the genre with a script crafted by Saninye Alasia and Niyi Akinmolayan. The ensemble cast includes Anee Icha, Taye Arimoro, Efe Irele, Tope Tedela, Eso Dike, Femi Adebayo, Moyin Olutayo, and Shy Talkative. Anthill Studios aims to captivate audiences with heartwarming stories and a star-studded cast.
Akinmolayan, the Creative Director of Anthill Studios, founded the production company in 2019 with a vision to explore diverse stories and genres. Despite his success in director-for-hire projects, Akinmolayan remains committed to pushing filmmaking boundaries in Nollywood. The studio’s ethos revolves around experimentation, evident in its diverse portfolio of films such as ‘Mikolo,’ ‘The House of Secrets,’ ‘Hey You!,’ ‘The Man for the Job,’ ‘King of Thieves,’ and the streaming hit ‘Rainmakers.’
With these three upcoming films, Anthill Studios continues to solidify its position as a prominent force in the Nigerian film industry, consistently delivering quality productions that resonate both locally and internationally.
