Nollywood is exploring an alternate version of Nigeria in ‘A Land Apart’, an upcoming political thriller that imagines a country where agriculture, rather than crude oil, became the foundation of its economic prosperity.
Written by Emil Garuba and Michael Garuba and directed by Bem Pever, the film is scheduled to open in cinemas across Nigeria on October 23, 2026, with Nile Entertainment handling its theatrical distribution.
Set in an alternate Nigeria, ‘A Land Apart’ centres on Ahura Agric International Corporation (AAIC), an agricultural company whose proprietary formula, AX-103, has helped sustain food production across Africa.
The story takes a dramatic turn following the death of the company’s founder, Dekera Ahura, who is killed shortly before deciding which country should receive the life-changing formula. His secret heir, Dooshima Bida Ahura, subsequently finds herself at the centre of a struggle for control of the agricultural empire, as members of the family challenge her position and international interests move to secure AX-103.
Leading the cast is veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, alongside Princess Mufeedah, Daniel Etim Effiong, Sam Dede, Adam Garba, Ronya Man, Frank Donga, Ummi Baba Ahmed, Iveren Antiev and Preach Bassey.
The late actress and singer Onyeka Onwenu also features in the film as Madam Ngozi, the Market Queen of Zaki Biam.
Set among the Tiv people of Benue State, the film incorporates the culture and agricultural heritage of the region into its fictional world, while exploring themes of family, power, wealth and political interests.
For Pever, the project also provides an opportunity to take a distinctly Nigerian story to international audiences. The filmmaker previously said the film’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival opened conversations with international industry stakeholders and demonstrated the interest in authentic African stories.
Ahead of its Nigerian cinema release, A Land Apart has received international recognition, winning Best Feature Film at the 2026 Zanzibar International Film Festival. The film was also selected for the Creative Africa Content Pavilion at Cannes’ Marché du Film and the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival.
Produced by Pever, Sally Williams Ngwobia and Emil Garuba, with Samira Buhari as executive producer, the film is a production of Take 7 Media and Entertainment in association with Sutoritera Limited.
With its blend of alternate history, political intrigue, family conflict and agricultural themes,
A Land Apart is set to bring a different narrative to Nigerian cinemas when it opens nationwide on October 23.
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