Our Reporter
OKUN EBI, a Yoruba-language relatable comedy film, has officially set a historic milestone with its cinema premiere at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, Arlington. The event stands as the first Yoruba film to premiere in an actual cinema in Texas, and potentially the first of its kind in the United States.
The film was written and produced by Olakanlu Lanre and Dunni Badru, popularly known as Mr and Mrs Kogberegbe. Direction was handled by Seun Olaiya (Black Magic). The prolific director delivered a production that reflects strong creative collaboration and established industry expertise.
The project continues the producers’ long-standing commitment to delivering culturally grounded, high-quality Yoruba content to global audiences on Africa Magic and other on-Demand streaming platforms.
OKUN EBI features an ensemble cast of respected Nollywood actors, including Lola Idije, Remi Surutu, Debbie Sokoya, Dolapo Oyebamiji, Mr Latin, Dayo Amusa, Mr Paragon, Mr and Mrs Kogberegbe, Lola Faduri, and Remmy Shitabey. The line up of actors underscores the depth of talent and industry support behind the production.
The premiere attracted a strong presence from Nollywood actors based in Texas, including Funso Adeolu, Mistura Asunramu, Gina Washington, Omo Tee, Nikky Grace, and Bunmi Ojomo, along with other industry stakeholders and supporters of Yoruba cinema in the diaspora.
The event was further distinguished by the attendance of special royal guests, Sooko Lambua Adeboye and Queen Abimbola Adeboye of the Ile-Ife Kingdom, reflecting the cultural significance of the occasion and the strong ties between tradition and contemporary creative expression.
Creative Village Productions, recognized for over a decade of consistent content delivery on Africa Magic Yoruba, continues to expand its footprint beyond traditional broadcast platforms. The successful execution of a Yoruba-language cinema premiere in Texas demonstrates the company’s strategic commitment to global expansion, production excellence, and structured distribution pathways for indigenous storytelling.
In addition to OKUN EBI, the company has produced other film projects in Dallas, including BORDERS and PECKERS, reinforcing its operational presence within the U.S. production landscape.
Building on this achievement, Creative Village Productions has formally opened opportunities for collaboration with Nigerian filmmakers seeking to premiere their films in the United States. Through an established operational framework, the company offers structured support for cinema partnerships and premiere execution without requiring filmmakers to be physically present.
OKUN EBI is scheduled for global release in March 2026 on Debbie Sokoya TV, extending its reach to a broader international audience.
This historic premiere affirms the growing international presence of Yoruba-language cinema and reinforces the position of Creative Village Productions as a forward-thinking force in cross-border film distribution and production.
OKUN ẸBI (Family Chord) hits home hard for so many Nigerian couples who have made the leap abroad. It is the raw, everyday struggle of a fresh migrant couple, grinding day and night just to keep their heads above water.
