Anthill Studios create family platform to address Nollywood children’s programming gap

Anthill Studios is taking a significant step to address the gap in children’s programming within the Nigerian film industry by developing Anthill Family, a platform dedicated to this content.

Niyi Akinmolayan, the studio’s director and founder, emphasises the importance of creating films that not only entertain but also inspire and empower children. He believes that neglecting children’s programming is not a strategic move, especially given its immense potential.

“It’s disheartening to find that the local film industry in Nigeria has often overlooked the creation of movies for children,” Akinmolayan stated, noting that a reversal of this unsound trend is inevitable.

Akinmolayan has expressed concern about the frequent oversight of children’s movies by the Nigerian film industry. He notes that a shift in this trend is necessary. The average Nigerian child, particularly those aged 1-15, is often drawn to foreign animated content that lacks positive African representation.

Anthill Studios aims to change this by producing African-themed narratives that instil values of empathy, family, responsibility, and culture. These stories will also highlight the continent’s geographical and historical richness, positively influencing future generations and offering a fair representation of Africa.

“They serve to popularise the continent’s geographical and historical richness. In essence, the mass production of animated content powered by African-oriented themes would positively influence future generations and provide a fair representation of the continent,” the Anthill statement read.

This shift towards more children’s content is gaining traction in Nollywood, with a growing understanding that films reflecting real society must include children. An exciting development is the upcoming debut of “IYANU,” a new original animated series by Roye Okupe. Set to drop on April 5, “IYANU” brings magic, mythology, and an all-African voice cast, streaming in Africa on Showmax (June 13) and in the UK/Ireland on ITVX this summer.

Based on Okupe’s graphic novel “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” the series follows a young orphan in Yorubaland who discovers ancient powers. The trailer’s release has led to comparisons with “Avatar the Last Airbender,” and fans have praised the animation graphics and voiceovers, featuring talents like Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Serah Johnson as the lead character, Iyanu.