Zero Gravity Management Signs Editi Effiong, Filmmaker Behind Netflix’s Biggest Nollywood Title ‘The Black Book’

Matt Grobar

23 April 2024 at 12:02 pm·2-min read

EXCLUSIVE: Zero Gravity Management has signed Nigerian filmmaker Editi Effiong, whose debut feature The Black Book last year established itself as Netflix’s most viewed English-language African film.

Debuting at No. 3 on the platform in September 2023, The Black Book made Netflix’s Top 10 in more than 69 countries. The revenge thriller centers on Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo), a bereaved deacon who takes justice into his own hands when his son is framed for a kidnapping, fighting a corrupt police gang to absolve him. Effiong wrote, directed and produced the film, which was made for $1 million.

More from Deadline

A creative entrepreneur with business interests in advertising, technology and film, Effiong in 2018 founded Anakle Films, a company dedicated to telling the next generation of African stories through film, which also saw Netflix snap up its first two theatrical releases, Up North and The Setup. In 2020, the company partnered with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and U.S. Justice Department to create Fishbone, a film aimed at raising awareness for pharmaceutical drug counterfeiting. Effiong served as director of the short.

Also the founder of one of Nigeria’s biggest digital marketing agencies, Anakle, as well as Anakle Labs, a technology company focused on building solutions for financial services and telecoms industries, Effiong has additionally led digital communications and marketing for organizations including Wikipedia, Globacom, Diageo, Access Bank, Sterling Bank, PZ, Reckitt Benkiser, Oando and British Council.

He’s also been involved in various non-profit endeavors in Nigeria, including the funding of clean water projects, as well as building and funding computer education labs, which have provided high quality computer education for over 1000 children from low-income families.

Australian Associated Press
Canadian police charge three with murder of Sikh leader
Canadian police say they have made three arrests in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver.
Australian Associated Press
Crichton ripe for NSW recall under old coach Maguire
In-form Sydney Roosters second-rower Angus Crichton is eyeing a NSW recall under a familiar coach, a new contract and another NRL premiership.
Australian Associated Press
Trump aide testifies he told her to deny Daniels affair
Former aide Hope Hicks has taken the stand in former US president Donald Trump's hush money case.
Australian Associated Press
Red Bull's Verstappen tops Miami Grand Prix practice
Max Verstappen has led the timesheets in the one and only practice session before the Miami Grand Prix, with Australian Oscar Piastri second.
Australian Associated Press
Ewan out to prove at Giro he's still the pocket rocket
Caleb Ewan has had a couple of years of struggle but believes he may be back to his lightning best in time to shine again at the Giro d'Italia.
Australian Associated Press
US congressman accused of bribery to help Azerbaijan
US Democrat congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda have been indicted for accepting bribes intended to benefit the Azeri government and a Mexican bank.
Australian Associated Press
Bodies found amid Mexico search for Australian brothers
Mexican authorities have reportedly found three bodies in Baja Peninsula, where two Australian brothers and a friend are missing.
Australian Associated Press
Broncos must embrace life without Reynolds: Walters
Adam Reynolds will miss at least 12 weeks with a ruptured biceps and Brisbane will turn to Jock Madden to fill the void, but even he is under an injury cloud.
Australian Associated Press
Carers offered more work flexibility in employment push
Australian carers who receive government support payments will be provided better work flexibility in an effort to boost workforce participation.
Australian Associated Press
Sky's the limit as Blues eye back-to-back championships
Melbourne City have won every A-League grand final they have appeared in. Chasing back-to-back championships, Sydney FC are keen to change that on Saturday.
Australian Associated Press
Rebels feeling lack of support from Rugby Australia
Melbourne coach Kevin Foote has called on Rugby Australia to show their hand after they voted against a rescue plan, with the Rebels feeling unsupported.
Australian Associated Press
Magpies' McRae gives powerful speech after epic win
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has delivered a stirring address, declaring "enough is enough" when it comes to gender-based violence.
Australian Associated Press
Arm injury forces Carlos Alcaraz out of Italian Open
Concerns are growing over Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz's fitness for the French Open after he pulled out of next week's Italian Open with his arm problem.
Australian Associated Press
Michael Hooper scores first sevens try for Australia
Wallabies great Michael Hooper has opened his sevens try account on a day in Singapore when the Australian teams shone.
Australian Associated Press
In-form Soderberg leads by three shots at China Open
Sweden's Sebastian Soderberg has taken a grip on the China Open in Shenzhen, leading by three at halfway in the European tour event.
Australian Associated Press
Magpies superstar Daicos sinks Carlton with late goal
Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos has delivered another special performance, kicking a match-winning goal with a minute remaining to sink Carlton at the MCG.
Australian Associated Press
Reynolds injured as rampant Roosters overpower Broncos
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds is facing at least three months on the sidelines with a biceps injury as the Sydney Roosters ran riot to post a 40-18 win.
Australian Associated Press
Rebels fall to Blues after win in creditors vote
While the Rebels have survived a creditors vote on liquidating the club, they have lost to the Blues 38-11 in their Super Rugby Pacific clash in Melbourne.
Australian Associated Press
Skeletons minus hands, feet found in Hitler Wolf's Lair
Amateur archaeologists have uncovered five skeletons without hands and feet at Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's Wolf's Lair military headquarters in Poland.
Australian Associated Press
Canberra's Whitehead sparks comeback win over Manly
Elliott Whitehead has inspired Canberra to a come-from-behind win over Manly, sealing an upset two-point victory for the Raiders.

Latest stories