The upcoming Nollywood film Black Market is aiming for a Guinness World Record with a massive public screening in Lagos.
The film team is attempting to set the record for the largest attendance at a film screening in a single location, with the event scheduled to take place at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.
Why Black Market Is Attempting the Record
According to actress and executive producer Omowunmi Dada, the team wanted to move away from the traditional film premiere format.
Instead of simply taking the movie to cinemas for a conventional premiere, the filmmakers decided to create a much larger event that could make a cultural statement.
Dada said the goal was to use the film and the screening experience to showcase Nigerian creativity to a wider audience.
Film Tells Story of Five Women
Black Market was directed by Fatimah Binta-Gimsay.
The movie follows five women involved in a cross-border smuggling operation during a period of fuel scarcity.
Their lives take an unexpected turn after one of their daughters is kidnapped, setting off a series of events that drive the story.
The film features Omowunmi Dada alongside Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Lateef Adedimeji, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok and Uzor Arukwe, among others.
More Than a Film Premiere
Dada, who is also an executive producer on the project, said the record attempt was part of the plan from the early stages of production.
She explained that the team had already secured Tafawa Balewa Square before principal photography began.
According to her, the production process involved challenges across the writing, pre-production and casting stages, but the team continued working toward the planned large-scale screening.
Lagos Screening Set for TBS
The screening is being held at Tafawa Balewa Square, one of Lagos’ major event venues.
The organisers are targeting a huge audience as they attempt to establish the Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening in a single location.
The event is designed to make the screening itself part of the story surrounding the movie.
What the Filmmakers Expect
Dada said she believes the story will connect with Nigerian audiences and that viewers will experience a mixture of emotions while watching the film.
She also stressed that the overall experience surrounding the screening is expected to be just as important as the movie itself.
The Guinness World Record attempt therefore gives Black Market an unusual launch as the filmmakers combine Nollywood storytelling with a large-scale public event.