Mount Zion's Agbara Nla: The Return has earned more than ₦71 million from single-day cinema previews in Nigeria, attracting over 12,100 admissions. The film's distributor, Nile Entertainment, disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Friday, October 2. The company said the film recorded the biggest faith-based opening, the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title, and the biggest single-day gross for October.
The cinema release brings back Agbara Nla, one of Mount Zion's early faith-based productions, written by Mike Bamiloye and first released in 1993. The original film emerged during Nigeria's home-video era, when audiences watched local productions on video cassettes. The new film takes the story to cinemas 33 years later, with Bamiloya's sons, Damilola and Joshua, directing.
Chris Odeh produced the film, with Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films, and Circuits involved in the production. Nile Entertainment is handling its theatrical distribution. The film's directors said the response held particular meaning because of the original film's place in the lives of its viewers.
The directors, Damilola and Joshua, said, "To see Agbara Nla: The Return receive this kind of response is deeply meaningful to us. This is a story our father wrote in 1993, and we knew we were carrying something that already meant a great deal to many people." They added that their responsibility was to honour the heart of the original while telling the story in a way that could connect with audiences today.
Head of Theatrical Distribution at Nile Entertainment, Thelma Udeze, said the preview attendance showed the connection between the film and its audience. "The response to Agbara Nla: The Return shows the strength of the connection audiences can have with stories that speak to their faith, culture, and lived experiences," she said.
Udeze added that it was encouraging to see a faith-based Nigerian film perform at this level within the wider theatrical market. The film is currently showing in cinemas nationwide and is also scheduled for theatrical release in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Nile Entertainment will announce details of the international releases later.
The success of Agbara Nla: The Return is significant, especially given that 70% of film revenue in Nigeria is lost to piracy, according to the Federal Government. The film's performance demonstrates the potential for Nigerian films to succeed in the cinema, and Nile Entertainment's role in bringing films to cinemas and building the right platform for them to reach their audiences.
Key points
- The film earned ₦71 million from single-day cinema previews.
- The film recorded the biggest faith-based opening and the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title.
- The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
