Showmax and Africa Magic held an intimate conversation with African filmmakers and film enthusiasts at the 11th African International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
Moderated by actor and producer Padita Agu, the conversation featured a fireside chat with the Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr Busola Tejumola. Other key panel members included Creative Entrepreneur, Obi Asika, Filmmaker Delmwa Deshi, Creator and Director of Flawsome, Tola Odunsi, and Head of Production, MultiChoice, Victor Aghahowa.
Dr. Tejumola revealed that Africa Magic and Showmax would release multiple brand-new shows, and subscribers would enjoy a surplus of local entertainment.
Highlighting some of the new content to expect on Showmax, she disclosed that another iteration of the Real Housewives franchise is coming to a new city in Nigeria. She also noted a new telenovela titled ‘Wura’ and the first African sport animated series, Jay Jay, based on the life of the legendary footballer Jay Jay Okocha, will also be on the platform next year.
She also added that the recently announced original drama series, Flawsome, will premiere on Showmax today, Thursday, 10th November, with new episodes every Thursday.
She said, “We have a huge lineup of content in the coming months and into the following year. In addition to the Showmax shows, Africa Magic will commission at least 30 films next year and filmmakers can send in their pitches.”
The panellists also discussed how Showmax supports African content via series, movies, documentaries etc. Producer of Journey of the Beats, Obi Asika and Tola Odunsi, shared how detailed they needed to be in creating the different series they worked on for Showmax.
Delmwa Deshi and Victor Aghahowa described how working with MultiChoice over the years have helped them and encouraged other filmmakers to pitch their content too. Aghahowa, with help from Dr Tejumola, broke down the submission process for pitching and reminded guests that there is a platform to get all they need to pitch and submit their proposed content materials.
After a very insightful question and answer session, each panel member took turns encouraging filmmakers to keep putting in the work as it is the ultimate way to ensure a successful career.
In Aghahowa’s words, “Nobody can give you a career, all they can give you is an opportunity. You are responsible for your career.”
Showmax will screen the first episode of the highly-anticipated drama series, Flawsome, today at the Alliance Francaise as part of activities for this year’s AFRIFF. The series features award-winning actresses Bisola Aiyeola, Sharon Ooja, Ini-Dima Okojie, and Enado Odigie. Other notable cast members include Jocelyn Dumas, Baaj Adebule, Gabriel Afolayan, John Dumelo, Toyin Abraham, Chris Attoh, Ali Nuhu, Shine Rossman, and Ireti Doyle.
Viewers can watch the first episode of Flawsome from the 10th of November and other interesting content on www.showmax.com.
