The Nigeria film industry achieved a major global milestone with The Black Book in 2023. Directed, produced, and co-written by Editi Effiong under Anakle Films, this crime thriller became the first Nigerian movie to reach No. 3 on Netflix’s worldwide film charts. It amassed over 20 million views in its opening weeks, appearing in the Top 10 in more than 69 countries.
The story centers on Paul Edima (played by Richard Mofe-Damijo), a former government hitman now living as a deacon. When his son is framed for a kidnapping and murdered by a corrupt police gang to cover up high-level corruption, Paul returns to his violent past to seek justice and revenge. The narrative explores themes of police brutality, government corruption, redemption, and the fight for justice in contemporary Nigeria.
The cast featured Nollywood veterans including Richard Mofe-Damijo in the lead, alongside Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Alex Usifo, Olumide Oworu, Kelechi Udegbe, Iretiola Doyle, Femi Branch, and Taiwo Ajai-Lycett. Made on a budget of approximately $1 million considered substantial for a Nigerian production; the film emphasized high production values, including Panavision lenses, to meet international standards.
With international partnerships, a broadened cast, and a deeper narrative arc, Old Scores signals a bold evolution not just for the franchise, but for Nollywood’s positioning on the world stage.
The Black Book 2: Old Scores, announced by Anakle Films in February 2026, Editi Effiong returns as writer and director. The project partners with Emmy-nominated producer Nicky Weinstock (known for Apple TV+’s Severance) through his Invention Studios, alongside producer Mimi Bartels. Principal photography has wrapped according to reports, and the film is in post-production, with a theatrical release planned in Nigerian cinemas. However, no exact date or streaming details have been confirmed.
The cast announcement revealed a stacked ensemble blending returning stars and new additions:
- Richard Mofe-Damijo (returning as Paul Edima)
- Kate Henshaw
- Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth)
- Shaffy Bello (returning)
- Alex Usifo (returning)
- William Benson
- Masami Kosaka
- Rick Kiesewetter
- Soibifaa Dokubo
- Mallum Arik
- Sola Fosudo
- Ejike Asiegbu
- Bob-Manuel Udokwu
- Emeka Okoye
- And others including Chidi Ajufo, Awe Ayobami, and more.




Production scaled up significantly, involving a 300-strong crew from Nigeria, the US, UK, China, Japan, and beyond, marking one of the largest Nigerian productions to date and aiming for even greater global impact.














