Editi Effiong
Editi Effiong | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Citizenship | Nigeria |
| Alma mater | University of Calabar |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, writer, producer, tech entrepreneur, director |
| Organization | Anakle Films |
| Notable work | Up North,The Black Book |
| Website | www.anaklefilms.com |
Editi Effiong is a Nigerian filmmaker, writer, producer, tech entrepreneur, and director.[1] His work in Nollywood includes movies like Up North, Day of Destiny, The Setup, Fishbone, and The Black Book.[2] He is the founder and CEO of Anakle Films.[3]
Filmography
[edit]- Up North (2018)
- The Setup (2019)
- Fishbone (2020)
- Day of Destiny (2021)
- The Setup 2 (2022)
- The Black Book (2023)
Early life and education
[edit]Editi Effiong was born to a father who studied literature and linguistics, which influenced his writing.[4] He had read the entire African Writer Series by the time he turned 12, and knew he would either become a writer or a filmmaker. He spent the early years of his life fighting his father, who opposed his dream of being an artist.[5]
At 14, he authored A Mile from Life, his first novel which was about 300 pages. He started learning coding at 17, but ended up studying Environmental Science at the University of Calabar. [5]
Career
[edit]
Effiong made his Nollywood debut in 2018 by producing Up North which was directed by Tope Oshin. He released his sophomore feature film The Setup next, and the two films were Anakle Films first two works acquired by Netflix.[2] He followed up by releasing Fishbone, a short film about drug counterfeiting, from the perspective of its victims and perpetrators. The short film was set in one of Lagos slums, Makoko.[6] He executive-produced Day of Destiny in 2021, a sci-fi and time travel Nollywood movie.[7]
Effiong's Up North grossed N94 million at the Box Office, while Day of Destiny and The Set Up grossed N18.6 million and N53 million respectively.[8]
In 2023, Editi Effiong made his directorial debut with The Black Book, an action thriller that made history as the first Nigerian-made movie to land on the Netflix’s global Top 3.[9]
In February 2026, Effiong’s Anakle Films made an announcement that The Black Book 2: Old Scores, a sequel to The Black Book was in the works.[10] The sequel, The Black Book 2: Old Scores, will have Editi Effiong return as writer and director, and will be produced by the Emmy-nominated producer behind Apple TV+’s Severance, Nicholas Weinstock.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Effiong lost his youngest brother to cancer, and later lost his son Bibi who was born at 24 weeks in 2013.[12] Before his demise, his son had survived RSV, together with an induced coma, and had spent nine months in NICU.[13]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Movie | The Black Book | Nominated | [14] |
| 2020 | HAPAwards (4th African Independent Film Festival) | Best Short Film | Fishbone | Nominated | [15] |
References
[edit]- ^ Native, The (2023-10-12). "NATIVE Exclusive: How Editi Effiong's beliefs and curiosity netted him a blockbuster". The NATIVE. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ a b By (2023-10-17). "Interview: Editi Effiong Discusses Production And Narrative Originality of "The Black Book"". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ BellaNaija.com (2023-07-20). "Celebrating Editi Effiong At 40: Read Heartfelt Notes From His Friends & Family". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Koroye, Koromone (2021-10-19). "Editi Effiong: father, writer, producer and tech bro". TechCabal. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ a b "Inside Editi Effiong's million-dollar playbook". The Nigerian Observer. 2024-02-03. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Native, The (2020-05-08). "Watch Editi Effiong's new short film, 'Fishbone'". The NATIVE. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ "Movie Review | D.O.D, Day of Destiny, or DUD for Short - What Kept Me Up". whatkeptmeup.com. 2021-01-29. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Eleanya, Frank (2023-09-15). "The Black Book: When tech founders turn Nollywood producers". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Bowser, Martie. "Director Editi Effiong Of Netflix's 'The Black Book' On Making Space For More Nigerian Storytellers: 'It's All About Access' - Blavity". Blavity News & Entertainment. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Udugba, Anthony (2026-02-21). "Anakle announces The Black Book sequel, partners Hollywood's Severance producer". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Ayeni, Ibukunoluwa (2026-02-23). ""The Black Book 2" Sequel Movie Confirmed, Editi Effiong Returns To Write And Direct, Nicky Weinstock Joins To Co-produce". ShockNG. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ "I'm familiar with grief - Editi Effiong on connection with 'The Black Book'". Pulse Nigeria. 2023-11-02. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Ikeji, Linda (2019-12-11). "Movie producer, Editi Effiong recounts the death of his son on the 4th anniversary of his passing". Linda Ikeji's Blog. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ Adeduyite, Okiki (2024-05-12). "[ICYMI] FULL LIST: AMVCA 2024 winners". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2026-06-06.
- ^ "HAPAWARDS | AFRICAN INDEPENDENT NOMINATIONS". Retrieved 2026-06-06.