How Inkblot is owning Christmas movie space with Palava, Far From Home

Inkblot Productions has released its December slate, which industry watchers say will inspire viewers to clear out their schedules. The renowned film production company adds a festive touch to its offerings with a new movie, Palava, and an original Netflix series, Far From Home, debuting one week apart.

Palava has a blockbuster ensemble cast and has been entertaining Nigerians since its nationwide release in cinemas on December 9, 2022. It follows the story of Osa Wonda, played by Richard Mofe Damijo, a high-life musician in the middle of a resurgence whose life and family are turned upside down when a scandal is revealed on the eve of his 60th birthday.

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, it features a blend of the new and old Nollywood, including Richard Mofe Damijo, Iyabo Ojo, Segun Arinze, Bisola Aiyeola, Chinedu Ikedieze, Mercy Aigbe, Linda Ejiofor Suleiman, Gideon Okeke, Beverly Naya, Beverly Osu, Jemima Osunde, Omawumi Megbele, Neo Akpofure, Buchi Ojieh and Eniola Badmus.

The plot of Palava is a mixture of music, romance, and drama. Thus far, the film has resonated with many Nigerian cinemagoers who enjoy well-told stories coupled with good acting, which every cast member solidly delivered on. In particular, seeing Richard Mofe-Damijo play a highlife musician in such a believable manner has generated a lot of buzz about the film. His accomplishments in terms of technical skill and box office success evoke a sense of pride in Nigerians and Africans at large.

Also, a new TV series, Far From Home, produced in partnership with streaming giant Netflix, premiered globally on December 16, exclusively on Netflix. Commissioned by Netflix just before the COVID-19 outbreak, the five-part series is the first Nigerian Young Adult (YA) Netflix Original series. Inkblot co-founders Chinaza Onuzo, Zulumoke Oyibo and Damola Ademola, along with Erika Klopper, served as executive producers while acclaimed Nigerian scriptwriter, Dami Elebe, served as the series’ head writer.

With Far from Home, Inkblot Productions leads on many fronts. The series is not just Nigeria’s first original Netflix Series; it is also the streamer’s first foray into the young adult genre coming out of West Africa. In the series, Inkblot continues to celebrate black excellence, while amplifying and educating global audiences on the richness and nuances of Nigerian culture through prioritising authentic storytelling. This venture illustrates Netflix’s continued investment in African talent, industry and content.

Far From Home follows the story of Ishaya Bello (Mike Afolarin), a charismatic teenager and talented artist from a poor family whose dreams suddenly appear within reach when a prestigious scholarship to the most exclusive school in the country catapults him into the affluent world of Nigeria’s elite. Meanwhile, a huge secret threatens to shake Ishaya’s newfound status and ultimately endanger his family.

It features some of Nigeria’s most established Nollywood screen legends like Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bolanle Ninalowo, Bucci Franklin, Bimbo Akintola, Linda Ejiofor, Chioma Akpotha, Femi Branch, Carol King and Ufuoma Mcdermott. Mike Afolarin, Elma Mbadiwe, Genoveva Umeh, Gbubemi Ejeye, Olumide Oworu and Natse Jemide are part of the roster of talented rising stars.

As the year ends and filmmakers close their rosters, Inkblot is laying a claim to the Christmas movie timetable with its rich content. Over the past eleven years, Inkblot has established itself as memorable producers of outstanding December movies like The Wedding Party, Quam’s Money and Superstar.