Play Network Partners Mondjila on ‘The Skeleton Coast’

Vanessa Obioha

With the aim of promoting Pan-African unity, Play Network Studios has joined forces with Namibian movie production company Mondjila Studios to create a captivating new film, ‘The Skeleton Coast.’

This movie unfolds on Namibia’s enigmatic Skeleton Coast, a place the local bushmen tribes aptly refer to as ‘The Land God Made in Anger.’ Here, the magical coastline is adorned with the skeletal remains of multiple shipwrecks. Despite the evident echoes of death found in the endless bones of whales, seals, and unique wildlife, the picturesque coast remains untouched. It offers an out-of-body experience, drawing from its natural beauty and deep-rooted history.

Principal photography is already underway, guided by the esteemed director Robert O. Peters. The role of producer falls to the prominent Nigerian filmmaker with international acclaim, Rogers Ofime and Arafat Bello-Osagie of Play Network Studios. The cast of ‘The Skeleton Coast’ is a fusion of talent from across the African continent, including Thapelo Mokoena (South Africa), Ini Dima-Okojie (Nigeria), Tjuna Daringo (Namibia), Mawuli Gavor (Ghana), Cindy Mahlangu (South Africa), Damilola Adegbite (Nigeria), and the renowned Hollywood actor Eric Roberts.

Charles Okpaleke of Play Network Studios, well-known for his remakes and sequels of Nollywood classics like ‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,’ is making bold statements with his productions. Collaborating with Panashe Daringo of Mondjila Studios, he’s pushing the envelope even further. The hope is that ‘The Skeleton Coast’ will stand as the largest Pan-African collaboration to date, forging new paths in the world of African cinema.