Nigerian film Farmer’s Bride expands to Francophone Africa
The highly anticipated Nigerian film Farmer’s Bride is set to break international boundaries, with a wide release across nine Francophone African countries on September 27, 2024. FilmOne Entertainment, the film’s distributor, announced the exciting news on its social media platforms, sparking anticipation among cinema enthusiasts across the continent.
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“Big News! We are excited to announce that Farmer’s Bride isn’t just taking over Nigeria—it’s going international! Starting Sept 27th, we’re hitting cinemas across all Francophone countries! Get ready for an epic film that will be loved by all,” FilmOne Entertainment shared on Instagram, signaling a significant expansion into key French-speaking African markets.
The film will premiere in countries such as Senegal, the Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Congo, marking a major step forward for Nigerian cinema on the global stage. This international release reflects the growing appetite for African storytelling beyond national borders and demonstrates Nollywood’s rising influence in Francophone regions.
Produced by FilmOne Studios, Farmer’s Bride is an evocative drama set in the culturally rich landscape of 1980s Ibadan. The film tells the tale of Odun, a wealthy but lonely farmer, who marries a young bride named Funmi. Despite Odun’s hopes for companionship, their marriage soon becomes troubled as Funmi struggles to adapt to her new life and eventually embarks on a forbidden affair with Odun’s nephew. This illicit romance triggers a cascade of events involving love, betrayal, and supernatural elements, culminating in a haunting narrative that keeps viewers on edge.
Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Jack’enneth Opukeme, Farmer’s Bride boasts an ensemble cast of some of Nigeria’s most acclaimed actors, further enhancing its appeal. Tobi Bakre, best known for his breakout role in Gangs of Lagos, takes on a lead role, alongside Gbubemi Ejeye (Far From Home), Femi Branch (House of Gaa), Mercy Aigbe (Ada Omo Mummy), Efe Irele (L.I.F.E), and Wumi Toriola (Aburo).
FilmOne Studios, part of the Filmhouse Group, has quickly emerged as a leading force in Nigerian film production, renowned for creating stories that resonate with both local and global audiences. The studio teased Farmer’s Bride earlier this year, following their success with other notable films like Adire. The expansion into Francophone Africa is a strategic move to introduce Nollywood productions to broader, untapped audiences who are hungry for diverse and authentic African stories.
The film’s strong narrative, rooted in deep cultural themes, is expected to resonate with audiences across Francophone Africa, offering a unique portrayal of tradition, human emotion, and complex relationships. With its engaging plot, star-studded cast, and supernatural undertones, *Farmer’s Bride* promises to be a memorable cinematic experience.
As Nigerian cinema continues to grow in influence, Farmer’s Bride looks set to further Nollywood’s reputation as a key player in the global film industry. With its international release just around the corner, it is poised to captivate audiences far beyond its Nigerian roots, introducing new viewers to the rich storytelling tradition of African cinema.
