Paris, May 9, 2024 – The excitement mounts as the countdown begins for the exclusive unveiling of the much-anticipated movie trailer, “The Skeleton Coast,” set to captivate audiences worldwide. The Skeleton Coast – an audacious thriller – presented by a collaboration of Mondjila Studios and Play Network Studios will be revealed on May 21, 2024, at the prestigious Le Grey d’Albion Cannes, within the context of the 77th Cannes International Film Festival amidst a gathering of esteemed guests from the global film industry.
Produced by a constellation of African cinematic luminaries primarily hailing from Nigeria’s Nollywood, South Africa, Namibia, and Ghana, “The Skeleton Coast” boasts a stellar cast and crew lineup. Renowned African American director Robert O. Peters leads the creative crew, alongside executive producers Panashe Daringo, Charles Okpaleke, and producer Rogers Ofime, with Arafat Bello-Osagie as co-producer.
The ensemble cast features a galaxy of talents including Thapelo Mokoena, Ini-Dima Okojie, Tjuna Daringo, Mawuli Gavor, Damilola Adegbite, Cindy Mahlangu, and Hollywood veteran Eric Roberts. Their collective brilliance illuminates the screen in a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the enigmatic Skeleton Coast, where a group of black African scientists embarks on a quest for the elusive Blunamite gem, only to encounter a shocking revelation that defies imagination.
As excitement builds for the grand unveiling, the production team and key stakeholders share their insights and anticipation for the event.
Robert O. Peters, Director of “The Skeleton Coast,” expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “This project has been a labor of love, a collaborative effort that celebrates the rich storytelling heritage of Africa. I am honored to be a part of bringing this captivating tale to life on the silver screen, and I cannot wait to share it with audiences around the world.”
Panashe Daringo, Founder of Mondjila Studios, and Executive Producer, echoes Peters’ sentiments, adding, “Our goal with ‘The Skeleton Coast’ was to push the boundaries of African cinema, to showcase the talent and creativity that abound on the continent. This unveiling marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and we are thrilled to present our vision to the world.”
Charles Okpaleke, Co-Founder Play Network Studios and Executive Producer emphasizes the significance of the event, stating, “This is more than just a movie trailer unveiling; it is a celebration of African excellence, in collaboration with the leading lights of the movie industry across the world. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together. ‘The Skeleton Coast’ is a milestone in African cinema, and I am proud to have been a part of bringing it to fruition.”
Hollywood star Eric Roberts, who graces the screen with his presence in “The Skeleton Coast,” will be in attendance at the event, alongside Rico Simonini and a host of other VIP guests from the global film industry. The evening promises to be an exclusive VIP networking reception and a black-tie affair, blending glamour, intrigue, and the magic of cinema.
In addition to the unveiling of the trailer, the event will mark the debut of Play Network and Mondjila Studios at Cannes Film Festival. The Founder of the Nigerian International Film Summit, NIFS, delectable Ijeoma Onah, will drive very high-level conversations in collaboration with the Co-Founder of Play Network Studios, Charles Okpaleke and CEO Arafat Bello -Osagie on the Play Studio’s Journey of impact in the Nigerian film industry.
The NIFS Founder describes the planned reveal as a landmark moment in African cinema, stating, “The unveiling of ‘The Skeleton Coast’ represents a new chapter in the story of African filmmaking, a testament to the talent, creativity, and resilience of our industry. This is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, to forge new partnerships, and to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
Reflecting further on the planned unveiling of The Skeleton Coast, Ijeoma Onah, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to be a part of this momentous occasion, to showcase the next generation of African filmmakers and storytellers. Play Studio in collaboration with NIFS and other industry partners are dedicated to pushing boundaries, to challenging conventions, and we are honored to share our vision with the world alongside ‘The Skeleton Coast.’ We can see our imagination on the cusp of reality. It’s such an awesome time to be an African,” she concluded.
About Play Network Studios
Headquartered in Nigeria, Play Network Studios is a multi-award-winning Pan-African movie production powerhouse at the forefront of record investment, innovation, and storytelling in Nigeria’s Nollywood. Since her inception in 2019, Play Network Studios has been at the forefront of leading the trail in producing blockbuster movies, with some of Nigeria’s most acclaimed Nollywood titles, Living in Bondage – Breaking Free, Rattlesnake – The Ahanna Story, Glamour Girls, and Blood Vessel among others.
About Mondjila Studios
A pioneering and leading film production house, Mondjila Studios is located in Windhoek and is part of the Mondjila Group of Companies. Established by the Daringo’s, the organization has brought international film ethos to the brave nation of Namibia, reshaping the country’s film sector. As the frontrunner in the film industry, the group is proud to fly the Namibian flag worldwide and is committed to working with other like-minded partners. The goal of Mondjila Studios, guided by Panashe and Tjuna, is to bring Namibia to a global audience.