Benin City Film Industry: Edo Cinema, Nollywood Movies & Studios in Edo State

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You might’ve heard of Nollywood’s glitz and glamour in Lagos, but did you know that the Benin City film industry is quietly but powerfully shaping its path? With emerging talent, dedicated crews, and unique filming locations, this region is becoming a story worth telling.

From historic palaces and cultural landmarks to a new wave of film production companies in Benin City, there’s a whole ecosystem fuelling movie production in Benin City. Let’s analyse filmmaking in Edo State.

The Rise of Edo Cinema 

Edo State isn’t the first Nollywood location that comes to mind, but that’s changing fast. At the centre of the Benin City film industry is a deep connection to the Edo people’s heritage, stories, and cultural tapestries.

Take Adesuwa (2012), directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen; it is a historical drama shot in Benin City, but it received multiple Africa Movie Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects, Costume Design, and Best Nigerian Film. That film solidified movie production in Benin City as more than just a fringe operation; it made it a destination.

More recent examples are Blood of Enogie, a historical epic series created by Charles Uwagbai and filmed in 2020 in Benin City, which blends culture, drama, and production prowess. It spans eight seasons (104 episodes), with on-location shoots and a commitment to authentic Edo storytelling. Similarly, the fantasy-thriller Esohe (2018) by Charles Uwagbai was also shot on location in Benin City.

This momentum shows how Edo cinema is carving its niche within the broader Nollywood landscape.

 

Crews Powering Edo Cinema

Behind every great film is a dedicated crew, and Edo is no exception. While detailed lists of every crew member aren’t always public, we do know that Blood of Enogie assembled a robust production team: producers, cinematographers (Ejike Edeh, Emeka Madu), editors, and writers who were all rooted in strong professional backgrounds.

We also cannot overlook the talent pouring out from Benin City itself, including filmmakers like: 

• Charles Novia is a director, producer, and writer born and raised in Benin City, known for films like Missing Angel, Alan Poza, and more.
• Eric Aghimien, also from Benin City, whose debut film A Mile from Home earned him awards at AMVCA and AMAA.
• Lilian Afegbai—another Benin City native who entered production with critical acclaim and awards.

These are examples of individuals at the heart of the Edo film industry, shaping its voice and future.

 

Studios Leading the Charge in Benin City

Here’s a snapshot of some Benin City film studios and production companies that offer everything from training to equipment and production services.

• D-Sion Film Production: Known for offering top-notch service at affordable prices. It is located at #48 W Circular Road, Benin City. 

• Screenquest Entertainment: This studio is situated at #61 Adesua Road off Benin-Sapele Road, Benin City. This company is another established player in the local film ecosystem.

• Optimist Media (though slightly broader in scope, offering media gear rental): Still a key resource supporting movie production in Benin City, especially for equipment-driven projects. It is located at #25 Plymouth Road, opposite Osvin Hotel, Ogogugbo, Benin City. 

Beyond these, several highlights include Melody World Entertainment, Fanny’s Moviegallon, E & A Ekenas Production, Pimp Films International, Lancelot Imasuen Media Network, and several other companies that are all contributing to a vibrant Edo film industry.

READ MORE: 

• The Studios Powering Kannywood in Kano: Who’s Making What?
• Lancelot Imasuen’s Edo-Language Films: A Look at His Most Notable Productions
• Edo Actors Making Waves in Nollywood: From Benin to Big Screens

 

Iconic Filming Locations in Benin City

Part of the beauty of Edo cinema lies in its settings, which include filming locations that bring depth, culture, and authenticity. These locations include historic landmarks like:

• The Oba’s Palace
• Ancient walls 
• Traditional compounds
• Other local palaces can be found. 

These locations make these movies real and relatable to viewers. 

Films such as Adesuwa and many other Edo movies showcase this heritage. Adesuwa used local heritage sites to bring Edo’s history to the screen.

 

Notable Edo Films Shot in Benin City

Let’s spotlight some standout films that define Edo cinema:

• Adesuwa (2012): Historical drama directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen; shot in Benin City and won multiple AMAA awards.

• Blood of Enogie (2020): Epic TV series by Charles Uwagbai; filmed on location in Benin City and praised for authenticity and production quality.
• Esohe (2018): Fantasy thriller co-directed by Charles Uwagbai; shot in Benin City. This movie exemplifies the creative use of Edo aesthetics.

Each of these shows the power of Edo cinema, rooted in the Benin City film industry, making culturally rich and visually compelling films.

 

Challenges of Filmmaking in Benin City

Despite this growth, the Edo film industry faces its own set of challenges:

• Benin City still lacks the infrastructure (sound stages, large studios, and post-production facilities) of Nollywood hubs like Lagos.
• Crew training and professional development, although improving, still lack some of the formality and scale available in bigger centres.
• Distribution remains a hurdle: many Edo-produced films rely on streaming, television, or informal DVD circulation because access to local cinema remains limited.

Yet, filmmakers in Benin City continue to adapt and thrive—turning cultural strengths into assets for storytelling.

 

Conclusion: Benin City Film Industry

Edo cinema is not merely a term, but rather a movement deeply rooted in identity, creativity, and community. The Benin City film industry is gaining momentum with passionate crews growing Benin City film studios and spirited film production companies. So, whether you’re a fan, a filmmaker, or just curious, keep watching this space. Edo stories are on the rise, and they’re ready to be heard loud and clear.

 

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FAQs about Edo Movies

1: What is Edo cinema?

Edo cinema refers to films and productions rooted in Edo State’s culture, history, and storytelling, primarily centred in Benin City, with unique narratives and perspectives beyond mainstream Nollywood.

2: Which are some key Benin City film studios?

Notable ones include D-SION FILM PRODUCTION, Screenquest Entertainment, and related companies like Optimist Media—all offering production, training, or gear services.

3: Can you name some film production companies in Benin City?

E & A Ekenas Production, Pimp Films International, Lancelot Imasuen Media Network, Melody World Entertainment, Fanny’s Moviegallon, and others contribute to a growing ecosystem.

4: Why do filmmakers choose Benin City as a location?

Its iconic filming locations offer unmatched cultural depth, from palaces to traditional architecture. These provide visual, emotional, and narrative richness for movie production in Benin City.