CANEX Creations Invests in Nigerian Film Clarissa for Global NEON Distribution
CANEX Creations Inc. (CCInc), the intellectual property investment subsidiary supported by Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), has announced its investment in the Nigerian feature film Clarissa, a drama directed by twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri. The film has been acquired for worldwide distribution by NEON, with NEON handling the U.S. theatrical release and NEON International overseeing foreign sales.
A contemporary adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s classic novel, Clarissa is set in Lagos and was shot on 35mm across Lagos and Delta State. The story follows society woman Clarissa as she prepares to host a party, only to confront friends from her youth. Over the course of a single night, memories of love, ambition, desire, and lost opportunities converge in a poignant reckoning.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Sophie Okonedo (Academy Award and Emmy nominee), David Oyelowo (Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee), Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri, alongside India Amarteifio (Bridgerton), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), and Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin). Written, directed, and produced by the Esiri brothers, the duo previously debuted Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) at the Berlinale, which won multiple African Movie Academy Awards and was selected for the Criterion Collection.
Production financing was led entirely by Africa-based institutions, including CCInc and MBO Capital, showcasing Africa’s growing capacity to back globally competitive film projects.
Osahon Akpata, CEO of CANEX Creations Inc., commented:
“Clarissa exemplifies the type of globally resonant, IP-driven storytelling that CCInc was created to support. Its acquisition by NEON validates both the filmmakers’ ambition and the viability of Africa-backed financing for internationally scalable content.”
Reflecting on the creative process, Chuko Esiri said:
“From the start, it was essential that Clarissa be rooted and resourced in Africa. Having African institutions support a film of this scale reflects growing confidence in our stories being produced from within the continent.”
The investment underscores CCInc’s commitment to fostering African intellectual property across film, television, music, fashion, and other sectors, ensuring African creativity reaches international audiences.
