Anakle Films, the production company helmed by Editi Effiong and renowned for producing the one-million-dollar-budget Nollywood hit, The Black Book, has declared Mimi Bartels and Ashley Opusunju as Co-Founder and General Manager respectively.
This announcement comes on the heels of the triumph of the Netflix action thriller last year and the appointment of Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. It is also viewed as a significant stride in anticipation of the 2024 International Women’s Day.
Founder Editi Effiong expresses confidence in the company’s vision in a media interview, stating, “I believe we have a clear understanding of our goals and our role in the global industry. Having the right team is crucial to realizing those aspirations.”
Mimi Bartels, drawing on her extensive experience from previous roles at the prominent Nigerian film distribution platform, FilmOne Entertainment, where she spent over seven years, assumes a pivotal role. Having excelled in production, film distribution, media, marketing communications, and alternative investments, she recently served as the General Manager at the rebranded FilmOne Studios. There, she spearheaded the production of the company’s inaugural original, Adire, and successfully collaborated with Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele on the acclaimed film, Battle On Buka Street. Notably, Bartels played a key role in distributing 70% of Nigeria’s top ten all-time box office productions since 2016.
In her new capacity at Anakle Films, Bartels is entrusted with leveraging data and intuition to identify potential local and international successes, craft compelling narratives, and attract investors through effective pitches. Her responsibilities also encompass forging strategic partnerships with creatives and other production entities to deliver films and stories that resonate with both African and global audiences.
“As a co-founder of Anakle Films, my primary focus is on driving perpetual growth and success for our studio,” Bartels affirms in her discussion with In Nollywood. “My role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to creation, development, execution, distribution, relationship-building, and industry positioning.”
Ashley Opusunju, previously the Deputy Chief Operations Officer at Anakle Limited, the parent agency to Anakle Films, brings nine years of experience to her new role. During her tenure at the marketing agency, she established herself as a charismatic and strategic leader, contributing to various high-value teams and projects. Opusunju also played a pivotal role in securing multiple financing deals, including that of Anakle Films’ The Black Book. Expectations are high for her new position as she takes charge of the day-to-day operations of the studio, dedicated to “telling the next generation of African stories.”