Nollywood is gearing up for a historic moment as Rixel Studios announces plans to break a Guinness World Record with the premiere of its latest feature film, Black Market. The movie, starring popular actors Lateef Adedimeji and Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, is set to debut at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos on September 26, with the goal of attracting over 50,000 attendees.
Record-Breaking Ambition
If successful, the event will surpass the current Guinness World Record of 43,624 people watching a film in one location, set in 2015 during the screening of Felix Manalo at the Philippine Arena in Ciudad de Victoria, Philippines. Rixel Studios aims to gather more than 50,000 spectators in a single venue to watch Black Market, a move that could put Nigeria and Nollywood on the global map.
The movie is produced in collaboration with FilmOne Studios, Signet Ring Studios, and Switch Visuals Production. According to the organisers, the premiere is not just about unveiling a new film but also about showcasing Nigerian creativity to a worldwide audience.
Vision Behind the Project
Rixel Studios founder Nora Awolowo described the initiative as another bold step for the young production company, following the release of its debut feature film, Red Circle, in 2025. She explained that the team learned valuable lessons from its first cinema project and wanted to continue exploring fresh ideas to push Nollywood to greater heights. “Innovation remains one of the studio's biggest goals,” Awolowo said.
Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer of FilmOne Studios, described the Guinness World Records attempt as more than just a film premiere. She noted that it presents an opportunity to showcase the creativity of Nigerian filmmakers before a global audience. Similarly, Damilola Osikoya, Chief Executive Officer of Switch Visuals Production, praised the initiative, saying it demonstrates what can happen when young creatives combine bold ideas with determination and teamwork.
Star-Studded Cast and Production
Beyond the record attempt, Black Market has generated excitement due to its impressive cast. The film features Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Ibrahim Yekini (Itele D Icon), Scarlet Gomez, Omowunmi Dada, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Uzor Arukwe, Folagade Banks, Tomiwa Tegbe, Andrew Yaw Bunting, Shamz Garuba, and Adeoluwa Akintoba.
Shot in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the movie is directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay from a screenplay written by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed and Gimsay. The production aims to build on the momentum of Nollywood's growing global recognition.
Context and Impact
This ambitious project comes amid a surge in Nollywood's international profile, with Nigerian films gaining traction on streaming platforms and at film festivals worldwide. If the record is broken, it will not only highlight the industry's scale but also its ability to organise large-scale events that rival global standards.
Earlier this year, Lateef Adedimeji shared insights into his personal life, revealing the simple principle that helped him win the heart of his wife, actress Mo Bimpe. During an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, he advised people to marry their friends, emphasising the importance of friendship in relationships. The couple surprised fans with their wedding announcement in 2021.
