The Story⚡
In Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, a historical epic set in 1892 Niger Delta, King Ibanichuka battles colonial threats and internal betrayal to protect Okrika’s sovereignty. Produced by Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata, this film is a vibrant tribute to Ijaw culture, premiering globally to honor a legacy of pride and resilience.
Tell Me More
Amanyanabo: The Eagle King is a cinematic milestone, weaving a tale of honor, sacrifice, and cultural pride inspired by the real-life story of King Ibanichuka, the last sovereign ruler of Okrika in present-day Rivers State. Produced by actress and former beauty queen Ibinabo Fiberesima, the film marks her bold transition into cultural storytelling, driven by a passion to showcase the rich heritage of the Ijaw people.
Directed by veteran filmmaker Fred Amata, the movie captures the socio-economic and political sophistication of pre-colonial Okrika, challenging stereotypes about African governance and highlighting its military, trade, and cultural systems.
The idea behind Amanyanabo was to re-enact a semblance of a historical, structured city state administered by a powerful potentate who placed the love of his people over glory. The story in depth also aimed to dispute the obnoxious notion that Africans did not play politics, practiced multi-lateral trade, or even had a standing army through the legend of one of the greatest kings of the Niger-Delta, King Ibanichuka the Eagle King of Okrika. Shot in the creeks and marshlands of Okrika, we ensured that an old story was told with the most modern technology to give the contemporary audience a picturesque view of what life, culture, conflict, trade, honour, and love meant to our peoples before the rude incursion of scavenging colonialists.
The cast is a powerhouse of Nollywood talent, led by Ibinabo Fiberesima, who also stars in the film, alongside veterans like Nkem Owoh, Monalisa Chinda, Columbus Irosanga, and Uju Okoli, who plays Chief Dokube, a key figure in Okrika’s royal council. Irosanga, a native of Okrika and lecturer at the University of Port-Harcourt, brings authenticity to his role, while Okoli’s reputation as the “queen of Nigerian cultural movies” shines through. Nkem Owoh’s involvement added a memorable moment during production when villagers, mistaking a battle scene for reality, rushed to the set with machetes, underscoring the film’s immersive authenticity.
Ibinabo Fiberesima, who produced the film pro bono to revive pride in Niger Delta traditions, emphasizes its cultural significance: “I produced the movie to project the Ijaw people and our rich culture. We wanted to tell our story authentically, especially for the younger generation who may never have heard of King Ibanichuka.” The film showcases Okrika’s unique rites, such as coronation and marriage, alongside its war-canoe houses and political alliances, offering a nuanced portrayal of African leadership before colonial disruption.
The global premiere on August 29, 2025, at Greenwich Odeon Cinema in London, alongside screenings in Manchester and Birmingham, reflects the film’s ambition to reach a worldwide audience. Distributed by Evritfilms Ltd in the UK and The Nile Entertainment in Nigeria, the film’s Nigerian release is set for September 12, 2025, across cinemas nationwide. The film’s red-carpet events, with an “Elegantly Niger Deltan” dress code, invite audiences to celebrate South-South pride and Ijaw identity.
Amanyanabo: The Eagle King is a movement set to restore cultural memory and empower younger generations to embrace their heritage.
In Summary
Amanyanabo: The Eagle King premieres in London, Manchester, and Birmingham on August 29, 2025, with a Nigerian release on September 12, 2025, in cinemas nationwide. Join Ibinabo Fiberesima, Nkem Owoh, Monalisa Chinda, Uju Okoli, and Columbus Irosanga in this powerful celebration of Ijaw heritage.
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