Babatope unveils film venture, Nile Media and Entertainment Group

Moses Babatope, a titan in the Nigerian film industry, has announced the launch of a new company, The Nile Media Entertainment Group which is focused on creating world-class content, showcasing and distributing African stories globally.

After years of monumental success in film production, exhibition, distribution, and marketing, Babatope is leveraging his experience and that of his team to guide the affairs of The Nile Group.

Operating through five different entities—Nile Entertainment, Nile Cinemas, Nile Motion Pictures, Nile Studio Lab, and the Nile Foundation, Moses Babatope states that the companies under The Nile Group are designed not only to transform the industry, but also have significant economic impact in the country.

“We are taking a grand approach to transform the industry. Seeing how much we have grown over the years, our vision is not only to celebrate and amplify African stories globally but also to create more revenue streams and deliver exceptional returns for our investors.”

With Nile Entertainment serving as the distribution arm of The Nile Group, Moses Babatope noted that as of today, Nile Entertainment has acquired the rights to distribute 31 titles.

“Nile Entertainment will manage distribution across Africa and internationally, ensuring that African stories reach audiences worldwide. We have already secured local and international distribution rights for over 31 titles. Nile Entertainment is opening on a strong note with the highly anticipated third instalment of Omoni Oboli’s Wives on Strike 3.”

Nile Entertainment has also acquired Global rights for an impressive slate of productions, including Linda Ikeji’s latest true crime film offering “The Night of June 7” directed by Toka Macboro, “The Artefact” a GenZ themed multi-million naira Action/Adventure written, directed and produced by Tolu Awobiyi a long term collaborator with Moses, “Banke” an intense drama starring Daniel Etim Effiong and Bolaji Ogunmola produced by respected Nollywood veteran filmmaker Emma Isikaku, “Is It Your Money” a one of its kind highly sought after documentary series created and produced by the award-winning media personality Chude Jideonwo, “Afrobeats Backstory Season 2” the follow-up to the widely acclaimed Afrobeats origins docu-series by the enigmatic Ayo Shonnaiya and “The Wives” a faith-based documentary series directed by young fast-rising sensational filmmaker Orire Nwani who rose to the fore with his Amazon Prime licensed series Grind. Complementing its distribution capabilities, Nile Cinemas will be at the forefront of cinema management, overseeing operations for THC Cinemas Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos and Royal Roots Cinemas Ikota, Lagos and more coming up. Through Nile Screens, the company will also provide cinema operations services for a new screening initiative called Filmhub.

According to the group head, Babatope, Nile X in partnership with one of Nigeria’s leading cinema chains will introduce private luxury pods that combine the allure of cinema with gourmet dining and luxurious seating. This innovative concept aims to provide an unparalleled viewing experience, blending comfort, exclusivity, and high-quality entertainment.

As the production arm of the group, Nile Motion Pictures will develop and produce a wide range of original content. Notable projects include an untitled romantic drama with Kayode Kasum’s FilmTrybe, the action-thriller “The Porters” produced in collaboration with Wingonia Ikpi’s Boxonia Blueprint Productions, and the faith-based drama “Oluwaloni” in partnership with Biodun Stephen’s Shutterspeed Projects.

Production partnerships include collaborations with Ifedayo Agoro, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur, digital storyteller, and community manager of Diary of A Naija Girl (DANG): DANG. A 1m-strong community of women passionate about authentic storytelling.

Nile Studio Lab has recently secured an agreement with an International Studio Consortium, further solidifying its commitment to excellence in production.

Nile Group’s international partnerships include collaborations with IFEC UK, Continental Entertainment, Invention Studios, Amplify Africa, TMPL Motion Pictures, Cinemax Distribution, Papaya, Nigerian International Film & TV summit and Africa Cinema Summit. These alliances are aimed at expanding the reach of African stories and ensuring their global impact.

Meanwhile, Nile Foundation will drive community development initiatives through a series of masterclasses for filmmakers, sponsoring small projects, and discovering new talents in Africa. By investing in local talent and supporting grassroots projects, The Nile Foundation aims to foster a thriving and inclusive film industry across the continent.

Babatope says he is confident that The Nile Group will deliver unparalleled services in film production, distribution, cinema experiences, and talent development across Africa. “With The Nile Group, we are set not just to participate in the industry but to lead and innovate. Our goal is to celebrate African stories and bring them to the global stage in the most spectacular ways.”

Moses Babatope’s illustrious career spans over 20 years, marked by numerous firsts in the Nigerian film industry. As the co-founder of FilmHouse Group and former Managing Director of FilmOne Limited, he has been instrumental in distributing Nigerian blockbuster films globally, including hits like “A Tribe Called Judah,” “Battle on Buka Street,” and “Omo Ghetto: The Saga.” His collaboration with Hollywood studios such as Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures distributing in West Africa has brought blockbuster films like “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Aquaman,” Barbie, Aquaman 1 and 2, Black Adam, Spiderman: No way home, Venom 2 and The Woman King. As a pioneer in the global digital distribution of Nigerian and African content, Moses has secured multi-picture, multi-year licensing deals with worldwide streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon.