Burna Boy’s Spaceship Films joins production of ‘biggest pan-African film yet’

The multi-platform project is led by the upcoming Asurf Oluseyi crime thriller 3 Cold Dishes, which the filmmaker has described as “the biggest pan-African film yet” and “an African cinematic journey like no other.” It will include a TV series, music video, original soundtrack album, documentary and digital collectibles.

3 Cold Dishes, filmed across Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast and Mauritania, and presented in French, Yoruba and English, is co-produced by Asurf Films, Martian Network and Ifind Pictures, with a worldwide trailer set to drop in September. Its cast includes Osas Ighodaro, Femi Jacobs, Wale Ojo, Ruby Akubueze and Brutus Richard. It follows three former sex trafficking victims seeking vengeance and explores forced prostitution of young girls and the political themes surrounding the topic.

“What makes this film unique is the diversity of the kidnappers’ profiles, adding depth and complexity to the storyline,” the film’s official website says. “As the three women confront their captors, they ask a variety of questions, revealing how they’ve experienced their trauma differently. Through a multitude of profiles and examples, the film sheds light on the issue from various perspectives, offering a powerful and emotional journey that is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences.”

The project has already secured about $100 000 in grants from the Francophonie Image Fund and the Red Sea Fund.

Apart from his executive producer duties, Burna Boy, who is up for multiple accolades at this year’s BET Awards on 30 June, will contribute to the film’s soundtrack alongside other African popstars including Aṣa, Tems, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille and fellow Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo.

Earlier this month, Nigerian popstar Tiwa Savage unveiled her debut feature film Water and Garri on Amazon Prime Video, along with a soundtrack album that also features Aṣa and Ayra Starr.

In April, it was reported that Ghanaian rapper and filmmaker Blitz Bazawule, known for his work on Beyoncé’s Black Is King and 2023’s musical adaptation of The Color Purple, would direct Warner Bros’ Black Samurai movie.