Trino Motion Pictures’ critically acclaimed feature film, The Weekend, is now streaming on HBO Max, becoming the first independently produced Nigerian thriller to be acquired by the global streaming platform.
The milestone highlights the growing international recognition of Nigerian genre cinema and signals HBO Max’s interest in expanding its catalogue with African storytelling.
The Weekend is a psychological horror-thriller that follows the story of an orphan, Nikiya, played by Uzoamaka Power, who visits the family of her fiancé, Luke, portrayed by Bucci Franklin. The visit gradually unfolds into a tense and unsettling experience that exposes dark family dynamics.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, Damilola Ogunsi, and James Gardiner.
Industry observers say the film’s acquisition reflects a broader trend among international streaming platforms seeking diverse stories from Africa, particularly bold genre productions that are gaining global attention.
Since its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, where it became the first independently produced Nigerian film selected for the festival, The Weekend has continued its run across major international festivals. It was also screened at the BFI London Film Festival and Screamfest, one of the largest horror film festivals in the United States.
The film has also recorded success on the awards circuit, winning the Best Film “Monster Award” at the Monsters Fantastic Film Festival.
In Nigeria, The Weekend made history at the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards with a record 16 nominations, eventually winning Best Film, Best Nigerian Film (NFVCB Award), Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
