- Nigerian Crime Thriller Makes International Debut at Joburg Film Festival
- FirstLook: BolanleAusten-Peters’ Screensat JoburgFilmFestival
As theworldmarks InternationalWomen’ sDay 2026, filmmaker and cultural entrepreneur Bolanle
Austen-Peters is spotlighting the power of women in leadership and storytelling with the first
international showcase of her unreleasedfilm, . The filmhadits first look at the Joburg Film
Festival inSouthAfrica,whereitscreenedonMarch4,2026.
Directed by Austen-Peters and produced by BAP Productions, is a gritty Nigerian crime
thriller that explores the high-stakes world of internet fraud and cybersecurity. The film reflects a
boldcreativedirection,moving awayfromthesocietyglamour seeninearlierworks suchasTheBling
Lagosians and instead focusing on class tension, digital crime, and the pressures facing young
Nigerians inanincreasinglycomplexeconomy.
The story follows Toby,a brilliant but struggling university graduate andcomputer developerwhose
life changes after he becomes involved with a network of sophisticated scammers. As their
operations growmore advanced and dangerous, Toby is forced to confront difficult moral choices.
When violence begins to shadow their activities, he seeks a way out, planning one final operation
whilesecretlycollaboratingwithlawenforcement todismantlethenetworkfromwithin.
The film features an extensive ensemble cast including Lasisi Elenu, Bucci Franklin, Blossom
Chukwujekwu, Bisola Aiyeola, Erica Nlewedim, Neo Akpofure, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, Tacha
(Natacha Akide), Lilian Afegbai, Boma Akpore,OlarotimiMichael Fakunle, Emeka Nwagbaraocha,
KelvinmaryNdukwe,UzoOsimkpa,AbayomiAlvin,andOnyeka Fiaka.
Speakingonthefilmandits InternationalWomen’ sDayshowcase,Austen-Peters said:
“InternationalWomen’ s Day is a reminder thatwomen are not just participating in
the creative industry — we are building it.With ,wewantedto tell a story that
reflects real pressures in our society today. It is bold, it is honest, and it shows that
womencanleadpowerfulstories ineverygenre.”
TheInternationalWomen’ sDaytiminghighlightsAusten-Peters’ continuedroleasoneof thefew
female filmmakers in Nigeria consistently leading large-scale productions across theatre and film.
ThroughBAPProductions, shecontinues toexpandopportunitieswithinthecreativesectorandtake
Nigerianstories toglobalplatforms.
Following its festival showcase at the Joburg FilmFestival, is expected to have a wider
theatricalorstreamingreleaselater in2026.