International: THEMA announces the acquisition of the production and distribution activities of IROKO PARTNERS. This latter is a longstanding partner of THEMA which has been the provider of contents for Nollywood TV and Nollywood Epic since their respective launches in 2012 and 2017. Both channels broadcasting the best of the Nollywood film industry with a focus on Nigerian and African customs for Nollywood Epic. This acquisition allows THEMA to be present across the entire Nollywood value chain by producing directly its own films and TV series. It also strengthens its position as channel editor and content provider.
This acquisition aims at developing three activities:
- ROK Studios, Nigeria’s leading production house – over 500 hours of new films and series per year, and a library representing over 2,000 hours. ROK Studios is run by Mary Njoku, an iconic personality of the booming “Nollywood” industry. A successful actress from the age of 17 (“Home Sickness”, “Blackberry Babes”, etc.), Mary Njoku went into filmmaking (“Single Ladies”, “Festac Town”, etc.), and then production after attending the London Film Academy.
- Distribution of proprietary and third-party Nollywood content to operators, notably digital operators, all over the world.
- Production and distribution of four channels (under the ROK brand) broadcasted in English-speaking Africa and the UK.
SVOD activities remain under the control of IROKO Partners (run by Jason Njoku) in which CANAL+ Group retains its stake.
