by Thinus Ferreira
Amazon Prime Video has signed a multi-year licensing contract with Nigeria's Inkblot Productions as Amazon's first with any African production company.
Inkblot Productions, founded by Chinaza Onuzo, Zulumoke Oyibo and Damola Ademola in 2011 and that produces Nigerian films like The Wedding Party and its sequel, is giving Amazon Prime Video the exclusive worldwide rights for its upcoming slate of film releases that will go to Amazon Prime Video after its cinema window.
Inkblot Productions' upcoming slate includes The Set Up 2, Moms at War 2 and New Money 3 as well as new titles such as Charge and Bail, Superstar and The Blood Covenant.
"We know Amazon Prime Video customers around the world love movies and this new deal with Inkblot Studios will deliver some of the best Nigerian and African films available for our customers," says Ayanna Lonian, Amazon Prime Video director of content acquisition and head of worldwide major studio licensing strategy, in a statement.
"Nigerian stories are truly some of the most exciting and thrilling in the world. The Inkblot deal will allow us to deliver great Nigerian movies, post their theatrical release in Nigeria, to our global audience, and will continue to build upon Amazon Prime Video's catalog and goal to delight Prime members."
Chinaza Onuzo, co-founder of Inkblot Productions, in the statement says "At Inkblot Studios, we produce some of the biggest and most creative, original films in the Nigerian film industry. We are very excited about the opportunity to showcase our films to Amazon Prime Video's over 200 million members".
"We believe that Nigerian films have a truly global appeal and are thrilled to be working with Amazon Prime Video to deliver the very best in entertainment worldwide."