The much-anticipated film “HIGHER CRIME,” produced by Aniebiet Francis and directed by Uduakobong Patrick, hosted select media and industry pundits to a classy premiere at the prestigious Silverbird Galleria on Sunday 9th June 2024 to set the tone for the movie release in cinemas across Nigeria, Ghana, and French-speaking West Africa on June 14, 2024.
Distributed by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, this gripping drama delves into the courageous journey of Tife, portrayed by Enwongoabasi Ibom, a prominent blogger who brings to light the chilling truth of a woman’s sexual assault, igniting a fierce legal battle with Jeffrey, a prominent philanthropist played by Femi Branch.
The premiere had notable industry stalwarts in attendance including; Keppy Ekpenyong, Amb. Blessing Ebigieson (President of Association of Movie Producers, Nigeria, AMP) Uche Agboh (Vice President of Directors Guild of Nigeria, DGN) as well as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Patience Eno, who was represented by her daughter, Mrs Eby Eno, who delivered a speech and talked about the different ways the office of the First Lady is working through Golden Initiative For All to tackle issues of gender based violence and particularly because the month of June is a Gender- based violence month in Akwa Ibom State.
The film features a vibrant ensemble cast, blending industry heavyweights like Femi Branch, Bimbo Akintola, and Keppy Ekpenyong with rising stars Enwongoabasi Ibom and Folashade Abimbola. Femi Branch, who recently starred as a villain in the acclaimed Disney-Kugali animated series “IWAJU,” once again embraces a dark role as Jeffrey. Bimbo Akintola, known for blockbusters like “93 Days,” stars as Jeffrey’s loyal yet naive wife. Enwongoabasi Ibom, a rising actress and social media influencer, takes on the role of Tife, the fearless blogger determined to fight for justice. Nollywood legend Keppy Ekpenyong plays Jeffrey’s lawyer, who helps Jeffrey leverage shared political connections to silence Tife, while newcomer Folashade Abimbola portrays Ruby, another victim of abuse.
“Higher Crime” is produced by Nigerian filmmaker and actress, Aniebiet Francis, under her production company, Amazing Arts Entertainment. Known for her hit 2019 film “The Final List,” which blended comedy with social commentary on the bride price epidemic in Igbo culture, Francis takes a more dramatic approach with “HIGHER CRIME,” addressing the pressing issue of sexual assault, especially within the family unit. In a social media post on Wednesday, producer Aniebiet Francis shared the movie poster, announcing the film’s release with the powerful statement, “Not all silence is golden.” She further commented, “This film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of speaking truth to power.”
The film is distributed globally by prominent Nigerian entertainment company, Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution. “HIGHER CRIME” is the latest addition to the company’s impressive portfolio of domestic and international releases. Tribe Nation, which began its domestic operations in Nigeria in February 2023 and expanded internationally in
December 2023, has quickly established itself as a significant player in the African entertainment industry. Following the successful releases of “THE OTHER ONE” (“L’AUTRE HOMME” in French territories), the heist film “CHARLIE AND THE BOYS” (“CHARLIE ET SA BANDE” in French territories), and the horror film “TREPIDATION,” the company is poised for further success with “HIGHER CRIME.”
“HIGHER CRIME” will be available in major cinema chains and independent theaters across Nigeria and West Africa starting June 14th, promising to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and powerful performances.
