THE LOCAL & FLY

In a landmark move for the international distribution of African cinema, Rushlake Media, FilmOne Entertainment, and InkBlot Productions are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership.

This collaboration will focus on bringing a curated selection of Nigerian films to global audiences, with a strong emphasis on digital exploitation, particularly in the fast-growing AVOD (Advertising-Video-on-Demand) and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) markets.

This innovative model brings together the strengths of three key industry players: Rushlake Media, a global distributor, FilmOne, Nigeria’s leading film distributor, and one of the country’s top production companies, InkBlot Productions. The partnership will extend and deepen the value chain of Nollywood titles internationally. By aligning their resources and expertise, the partners aim to optimize revenue generation and significantly expand the global reach of outstanding Nigerian content.

According to recent market data, the global AVOD market was valued at USD 49.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 226.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of approximately 29.2%. This dynamic growth presents a significant opportunity to position Nollywood films in new and lucrative digital environments. (Source: grandviewresearch.com)

Philipp Hoffmann, Managing Director of Rushlake Media, stated: “This partnership is a powerful step forward for the international visibility of Nigerian cinema. Together with FilmOne and InkBlot, we’re creating a model for how African content can be positioned globally – not only commercially, but also culturally.”

This newly announced strategic partnership between underlines the commitment of Rushlake Media, not only to build networks and foster exchange between African and European creative industries, but also to strengthen the presence and distribution of African narratives around the world. At the recent inaugural Africa XChange Summit in Cologne on October 15 and 16, 2025, hosted by Rushlake Media,  the potential of the African creative industrie and the importance of partnerships and co-productions was highlighted. Many well-known African creatives, producers, tech companies, and investors came to Cologne and used the platform to present their ideas, discuss innovative business models, and connect with a global audience. 

Speaking on the partnership, Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer, FilmOne Entertainment noted: “Our vision is to make African storytelling borderless and to ensure that our films and voices find sustainable life beyond the cinemas. This joint venture represents a major step toward that goal. By combining our collective strengths, we’re bridging the worlds of content and technology to unlock new pathways for African storytelling in the global digital economy. Together, we’re positioning Nollywood at the heart of the global content ecosystem, giving our stories the scale, visibility, and longevity they truly deserve.”

Damola Ademola, Director and Co-Founder, InkBlot Productions had this to say on the partnership, “This partnership is where Nollywood’s creative energy meets the global digital economy. We are ensuring that our authentic African stories don’t just travel,  but are strategically positioned to thrive.”

The three companies see this partnership as a long-term commitment to strengthening Nollywood’s presence on the global stage and contributing to a more inclusive international media landscape.

FilmOne Entertainment is Nigeria’s largest film distribution company and a vital force behind the country’s thriving cinema sector. With extensive experience in theatrical exhibition and a portfolio of top-grossing Nigerian films, FilmOne has been instrumental in the commercial growth of Nollywood.

InkBlot Productions has produced some of Nigeria’s most successful and beloved films, including The Wedding Party, The Set Up, and The Arbitration. Known for its cinematic quality and broad audience appeal, InkBlot is a leading creative force in West African storytelling.

Rushlake Media, headquartered in Germany, is one of the leading global distributors of African content, committed to the mission of bringing African stories to the world. The company has been at the forefront of developing sustainable models for African content distribution across continents. Rushlake Media’s global program brand TidPix – Authentically African can be found on a wide range of platforms globally.