Netflix is set to stream a film adaptation of Femi Osofisan’s 2009 novel ‘Pirates’. The adaptation is part of Netflix’s collaboration with Omotoso and Ochre Media and will be their first release after the release of ‘Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman’ in 2022.
Osofisan ‘Pirates’ tells the story of a notable newspaper columnist who finds himself in a web of deceit and blackmail. The novel is based on a series of his newspaper column titled Tales The Country Told Me.
Femi Osofisan is a renowned Nigerian who has written and produced more than 60 plays including Women of Owu and Midnight Hotel. One of his prose entitled ‘Ma’ami’ was adapted into a film in 2011.
Other Nigerian literature works that could fall under this Netflix deal include:
Waiting for an Angel, a 2002 political novel written by Nigerian writer Helon Habila. It tells the story of Lomba, a journalist and editor at The Dial who is imprisoned by the military government of General Sani Abacha on claims of fabricating lies that threaten the government.
The book will be adapted into a four-part television series by Newton Aduaka also under the Ochre Media. Information about its production are yet to be released.
Ibadan, which is based on Wole Soyinka’s memoirs Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years: A Memoir: 1945 – 1965. It will be adapted into a drama series by Titilope Sonuga.
Everyday is for the Thief, by Teju Cole. The first person point of view novel follows the narrators story on his journey back to Nigeria from New York. The novel will be adapted into a four-part drama series by Joseph Adesunloye.
