Nigeria’s ambition in spreading Nollywood films across all corners of the world doesn’t end with Netflix acquisition of ‘Lionheart’ and ‘Chief Daddy’. Recognized as one of the world’s most active film industries, Canal+ Media Group, stationed in France has acquired ROK Film Studios, producers of Nollywood movies.
The acquisition of the film studio comes in as a strategic move on the part of Canal + in its quest to strengthen its production space in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The deal will have Canal + take charge of ROK studio’s production works, content distributions and publishing channels. Founder of ROK studio Mary Njoku, however, maintains her portfolio as Director General of the film production company and maintains a material shareholding in the company, BellaNaija confirms.
Speaking of the new partnership, Mary disclosed, “ROK has captured the imagination of millions of movie fans and they have truly supported us as we’ve grown the company to celebrate and enjoy our African culture. I’m excited to be taking our platform on the next stage of its journey with Canal + Group, who shares in on our passion for creating original content, supporting new talent and together, we have ambitious plans for the future.”
Since 2013 of its launch, ROK Studio has produced over 500 Nollywood films and 25 television shows, fusing together renowned Nollywood actors and fresh onscreen talents.
The platform currently runs as the largest production house in Nigeria reaching 15 million subscribers across DStv and GOtv platforms.
Aiming at reaching millions of African audiences through film, Jacques du PUY, CEO of Canal + International shared in a statement, “Through this acquisition, Canal + Group is very happy to develop and enhance the catalogue of Nollywood contents and expand the ROK brand inside and outside the African continent.”
