The Story⚡
A warrior’s quest for vengeance burns bright in The Passport of Mallam Ilia’s stunning first look.
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Magic Carpet Studios has unveiled a magnificent first look at The Passport of Mallam Ilia, an animated adaptation of Cyprian Ekwensi’s 1960 novel, set to be Africa’s first 2D feature film. Directed by Chekwube Okonkwo and produced by Ferdinand Adimefe, this Lagos-based studio’s ambitious project brings to life a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge in pre-colonial Northern Nigeria.
The recently released teaser, shared via Magic Carpet’s social media, showcases vibrant visuals and Kano’s rich 19th-century culture, stirring excitement for this Nollywood milestone. With blood, sweat, and tears poured into the project since 2018, the studio is nearing completion but seeks public support to cross the finish line.
Ekwensi’s novel, a staple of Nigerian secondary school curricula, follows Mallam Ilia, a Tuareg warrior seeking vengeance against Mallam Usman for the death of his wife, Zarah, in colonial Kano. The story weaves themes of trust, conquest, and moral complexity, blending romanticism with African storytelling. Magic Carpet’s adaptation, backed by a $1.7 million budget—Nigeria’s most expensive film in production—aims to connect younger audiences with this literary classic.
The studio spent eight months developing the script, including a month in Kano for historical accuracy.
The voice cast includes the late Sadiq Daba, Toyin Oshinaike, and Dija, with other talents undisclosed. Co-writer MI Thomas emphasises the story’s cultural richness, portraying Northern Nigeria’s pre-colonial glory. Investors, including a production company led by Ego Boyo, praise the script’s quality and global potential. The project is exploring streaming platforms, with talks of a pre-sale to major services. The first look, released April 11, 2025, highlights the studio’s award-winning artistry, recognised with a 2019 best African animation award.
Despite its promise, the project faces challenges, including limited investor understanding of Nigeria’s animation industry, prompting Magic Carpet’s call for support via their website. The film’s significance in a $270 billion global animation market is clear, with Adimefe framing it as a “prophetic” reimagination of African stories. Its aim to bridge generations through Ekwensi’s classic is widely anticipated, positioning The Passport of Mallam Ilia to elevate African storytelling worldwide as Nollywood embraces animation.
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In Summary
With this first look, The Passport of Mallam Ilia’s breathtaking visuals and gripping tale of vengeance and love, audiences can expect vibrant 2D animation, Kano’s historical richness, and a presentation that honours Cyprian Ekwensi’s classic. The only question is when the feature will be completed and how its distribution route play out given is heavy laden budget.
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