Amazon Prime’s First African Film Lands This Week
Amazon Prime may be renowned for its usual film tropes but its new release is a first of its kind. Gangs of Lagos is the streaming platform’s first African movie, made in Nigeria and it lands this month.
An action thriller telling the story of a group of childhood friends finding their way in life through the streets of Lagos, this is one to watch.
Everything you need to know about Gangs of Lagos
While Nollywood has been known outside of Africa for years, Western film studios have taken an increasing interest in African filmmaking, and Gangs of Lagos is an example of that. It stars Nigerian actors Tobi Bakare, Adeusa Etomi Wellington, Chike Osebuka and Iyabo Ojo, all of whom are established actors in Nigeria. While it’s definitely billed as having some eye-catching action sequences, the film is also about family and friendship, with the city of over 15 million people as the backdrop.
Gangs of Lagos’ trailers give some more context and story to the film, with narration over chaotic street arguments saying “Lagos Island is a jungle. Everyone does what they must do to survive.” Gangs vying for power are at the centre of the plot, with “a million and one people willing to die for a cause they know nothing about.”
The film’s main protagonist, played by Tobi Bakare, was always expected to become a major player in the Lagos gang world, and that he would “die young like his father.” His life begins to catch up to him, and he begins to feel that his family and friends are in danger.
Speaking on the film’s forthcoming release, head of Nigerian originals at Prime Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu commented “As the first Nigerian original to launch on Prime Video, Gangs of Lagos sets the tone and standard, with the authentically Nigerian storyline in a genre that is so popular around the globe”. The film hopes to introduce audiences around the world to its talented cast and to bring Nollywood movies into further prominence outside of the country.
Gangs of Lagos is set to arrive worldwide on 7th April on Prime
Interested in more international films? Check out our list of the best recent foreign films or catch where to stream the big oscar wins
