Nigerian Filmmaker Revives Classic Christian Film for Cinematic Release
Nigerian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye is set to bring the beloved Christian classic, Agbara Nla, to movie theaters for the first time, more than 30 years after its initial production. This initiative highlights how retaining intellectual property can transform a modest film into a sustainable commercial asset over time.
Mixed Reviews for Film Remakes in Nollywood
Over the years, remakes of classic films have elicited a range of responses, from critical acclaim to box office disappointments. Among the most celebrated Nollywood remakes is Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019), directed by Ramsey Nouah. The sequel revitalized the original 1992 film, setting new benchmarks for production quality and generating over N168 million at the box office.
Recent Remakes Showcase Nollywood’s Growing Prowess
Other notable remakes include Rattlesnake: The Story of Ahanna (2020), which grossed a remarkable N127.89 million, and Domitilla: The Reboot (2023), which also achieved the same financial success. Nneka the Pretty Serpent (2020) entered the fray with approximately N50.05 million in box office receipts, further illustrating the trend.
Intellectual Property Rights and Remake Control
Similar to Agbara Nla, the intellectual property and production rights of Domitilla: The Reboot are held by experienced filmmaker Zeb Ejiro, who produced the original 1996 edition. Ejiro collaborated with FilmOne Entertainment and Film Trybe Media for the recent reboot.
The Legacy of Living in Bondage and Its Rights Holders
The same underlying structure applies to the 1992 classic Living in Bondage, with original rights owned by filmmaker and entrepreneur Kenneth Nnebue. In 2015, Charles Okpaleke acquired a 10-year lease for these rights, enabling Play Network Studios to produce the acclaimed sequel, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, in partnership with Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions. Following this period, the original IP will revert to Nnebue.
Insights on Intellectual Property from Legal Experts
Entertainment lawyer Omotayo Queen Inakoju emphasized the importance of retaining rights in a recent LinkedIn post about intellectual property. She highlighted Bamiloye’s decision to maintain ownership, allowing his family and Mount Zion Faith Ministries to exert control over any remakes and adaptations. Similarly, Afolabi Araromi, another entertainment lawyer, elaborated on how retaining IP serves as a valuable asset, enabling creators to benefit from their works financially over time.
The Long-Term Value of Ownership in the Film Industry
Ownership of intellectual property grants the original creator licensing opportunities for remakes, allowing them to set terms and establish profit-sharing frameworks. Inakoju pointed out that had Bamiloye sold the IP earlier, he would have lost control over future adaptations and faced potential financial setbacks.
Cultural and Market Dynamics Influencing Film Releases
Under new copyright laws, movie copyrights last for 50 years, after which others can utilize the work, provided they credit the original creator. Though Bamiloye has held the rights for over three decades, he faces a ticking clock with less than 30 years of protection remaining. This highlights the ongoing advantages of owning intellectual property for creators, allowing them to adapt their stories while ensuring a continuous revenue stream and maintaining creative control.
Historical Significance of Agbara Nla
The original Agbara Nla, also known as Ultimate Power, traces its roots back to 1987, when Bamiloye initiated production at a theater festival organized by Mount Zion Faith Ministries in Ibadan. The film aimed to be Nigeria’s first Christian film, with its original title, Agbara to Ju Agbara Lo. Filming occurred primarily in Apete Village, but the project faced setbacks when the cameraman vanished with the footage, leading to its eventual abandonment.
