One Gidi Night Premieres in Lagos as Thriller Hits Cinemas

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Filmmaker James Abinibi's crime thriller One Gidi Night premiered at Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos, on a Thursday night, according to ThisDay, and is now showing in Nigerian cinemas. The film stars Gabriel Afolayan, Wunmi Toriola, Uzor Arukwe, Itele D Icon and Idia Aisien. Punch reports that the premiere brought together actors, filmmakers, media personalities and influencers. One dangerous night in Lagos Abinibi wrote, produced and directed the film. According to ThisDay, it takes audiences through one dangerous night in the city, exploring survival, desperation and ambition. "Gidi" is popular slang for Lagos, and the title captures the film's focus on Nigeria's biggest city. ThisDay says the story is inspired by Lagos and the unpredictability of everyday life there, exploring what happens when ordinary circumstances take an unexpected turn. At its heart is a story about pressure, choices and consequences, with each character navigating their own version of survival. Punch adds that the central theme is how seemingly small choices can lead to huge outcomes. More than a thriller Abinibi said he wanted to deliver more than a conventional thriller. According to ThisDay, he wanted audiences to laugh, hold their breath, debate the film and ultimately reflect on the choices people make and where those choices lead. Punch reports the same aim: an experience that stays with viewers after the credits. That mix of suspense and humour gives the film a broad target audience. For a Lagos-set story, it also allows the city's energy to come through in more than one register. The premiere The evening opened with a red-carpet reception before the screening. Whisky brand The Macallan partnered on the event and provided the hospitality, according to both Punch and ThisDay. ThisDay describes the night as a celebration of storytelling, creative craft and the work that goes into bringing a story from an idea to the screen. Brand partnerships have become a familiar feature of Nollywood premieres, and the Macallan tie-in gave the evening a premium feel for the guests from the film and entertainment industries. In cinemas now Silverbird Cinemas lists One Gidi Night on its current schedule with a running time of 1 hour 35 minutes. The cinema's listing also names Femi Adebayo and Kevin Ikeduba among the cast. With the film already on screens, its box office run will show how well Abinibi's blend of crime thriller and comedy connects with Nigerian audiences. Lagos on screen Lagos has long been one of Nollywood's favourite settings, and crime stories that capture its hustle and danger connect with audiences at home and in the diaspora. One Gidi Night joins a busy season for Nigerian cinema, which has seen strong box office results, as we reported with Agbara Nla's box office run . The industry also recently honoured veteran actor Olu Jacobs at a Nollywood night of tributes . Why it matters Original genre films are an important part of Nollywood's growth in cinemas. A Lagos thriller written, produced and directed by one filmmaker, with an ensemble cast and a brand-backed premiere, is a sign of an industry investing in theatrical releases. For more, see our Nigeria hub and movies section. Key facts Film: One Gidi Night Writer, producer and director: James Abinibi Genre: Lagos-set crime thriller Premiere: Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos Main cast: Gabriel Afolayan, Wunmi Toriola, Uzor Arukwe, Itele D Icon, Idia Aisien Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes (Silverbird listing) Premiere partner: The Macallan For Nollywood, the film is another example of a filmmaker taking a single-city crime story to the big screen with a well-known ensemble cast and a brand-supported launch. What's next One Gidi Night is playing in cinemas now, with Silverbird and other chains listing showtimes. Its weekend figures over the coming weeks will show how strongly it holds up in a competitive release calendar. A streaming release could follow after the cinema run, though none has been announced. Sources: Punch | ThisDay | Silverbird Cinemas