Return of the Ancestors

Return of the Ancestors is a 100-minute film blending historical drama and action in two distinct settings: the ancient Benin Kingdom and the modern worlds of Benin City and New York.

The film begins with the glories of the ancient Benin Kingdom and its advanced civilization, transitioning to the tragic 19th-century invasion by British forces, leading to the theft of sacred artifacts. The narrative leaps forward 120 years to a declining modern Benin, where an oracle reveals that the return of the artifacts is the key to the nation's revival.

Two descendants of General Asoro are chosen by the oracle to undertake a daring and clandestine mission to retrieve the sacred artifacts from a New York museum. Empowered by the mystical Ogiso artifact, the two heroes, Okemute and Ezomo, gain supernatural abilities that aid them in their ingenious heist and dramatic escape.

Their triumphant return to Benin marks the breaking of a generational curse, celebrated with a lavish cultural ceremony that honors the heritage and resilience of the Benin people. Return of the Ancestors is a tale of justice, morality, and cultural reclamation, shining a light on the historical wrongs of colonial exploitation while inspiring a new generation to embrace their roots.

Key Team

Producer & Director: Jude Olotu Known for The Intern, Jude Olotu brings expertise in crafting emotionally resonant narratives.

Cast:

• John Boyega: (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, They Cloned Tyrone) An award-winning actor with a global fanbase, Boyega adds star power to the project.
• Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD): A veteran of Nigerian cinema, RMD brings gravitas and authenticity to the film.

Production Company: Excel Creative Hub Based in Abuja, Nigeria, Excel Creative Hub is renowned for producing high-quality films, music, and creative arts projects.

Website: www.excelcreativehub.com

Audience Demographics

• Age Range: 24 to 35
• Interests: Drama, heists, historical narratives, and supernatural themes
• Gender: Predominantly male, but with broad appeal
• Psychographic Traits: Viewers who value justice, cultural identity, and stories of empowerment and restitution
• Viewing Preferences: TVOD, AVOD, and theatrical cinema releases

Current Status

The project is in the Pre-Production Stage. We are seeking a Co-Executive Producer to partner on funding. Revenue streams are projected through:

• Cinema Releases
• TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand)
• AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand)

Selling Points

• Cultural Relevance: The film taps into global conversations about the restitution of stolen artifacts, making it timely and impactful.
• Superhero Narrative: The supernatural empowerment of the protagonists resonates with the popularity of superhero films.
• Celebrity Involvement: John Boyega’s global recognition and RMD’s established presence in African cinema attract diverse audiences.
• African Diaspora Appeal: The story connects deeply with the large African diaspora, particularly in Europe and North America.
• Visual Spectacle: The film’s mix of historical settings, CGI-enhanced visuals, and action sequences promises a cinematic experience.

Conclusion

Return of the Ancestors is not just a story; it’s a movement for justice, cultural pride, and moral reckoning. The project seeks to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally compelling narrative while addressing important themes of restitution and heritage. We invite partners to join us in bringing this impactful story to life.