A Land Apart Opens in Nigerian Cinemas on 23rd October With RMD and Daniel Etim-Effiong

A Land Apart, a political thriller set in an alternate Nigeria where agriculture rather than oil drives the economy, opens in cinemas nationwide on 23rd October through Nile Entertainment. Bem Pever directs a cast led by Richard Mofe-Damijo, with Daniel Etim-Effiong, Princess Mufeedah and Sam Dede, and the film won Best Feature Film at the 2026 Zanzibar International Film Festival.

What A Land Apart Is About

The film asks what Nigeria would look like if it had never discovered oil. In its version, Ahura Agric International Corporation holds a secret formula called AX-103, which helps feed much of Africa. The company's founder, Dekera Ahura, is killed before he chooses which country gets the formula, and his secret heir, Dooshima Bida Ahura, is pulled into a fight for control of the business.

Family members challenge her, and international interests pursue the formula. The story is set among the Tiv people of Benue State and draws on the region's culture and farming heritage.

Cast and Crew

Richard Mofe-Damijo leads the cast, and Princess Mufeedah plays Dooshima. The full line-up, as NollyCritic lists it, also includes the following names.

• Daniel Etim-Effiong

• Sam Dede

• Frank Donga

• Ummi Baba-Ahmed

• Adam Garba

• Iveren Antiev

• Ronya Man

• Preach Bassey

The late Onyeka Onwenu appears as Madam Ngozi, the Market Queen of Zaki Biam. Emil Garuba and Echobu Michael Garuba wrote the film, and Bem Pever directed it. Pever, Sally Williams Ngwobia and Emil Garuba produced it, with Samira Buhari as executive producer. Take 7 Media and Entertainment made it in association with Sutoritera Limited.

The Festival Run

The film premiered at the Zanzibar International Film Festival on 27th June, and the festival's winners were announced at a ceremony on 28th June, where it took the festival's top award. It was also selected for the Creative Africa Content Pavilion at Cannes' Marché du Film and for the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival.

Daniel Etim-Effiong Has a Busy Month

Daniel Etim-Effiong's name is already in the awards conversation. He is nominated for Best Director, Best Debut Feature Film by a Director and Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Herd at the 22nd Africa Movie Academy Awards, as PINCHED covered in its report on the AMAA 2026 nominations. A Land Apart gives audiences another chance to see him on screen, this time in a political thriller.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Does A Land Apart Open in Nigerian Cinemas?

It opens in cinemas nationwide on 23rd October 2026.

Who Directed A Land Apart?

Bem Pever directed it. Emil Garuba and Echobu Michael Garuba wrote it.

Who Stars in A Land Apart?

Richard Mofe-Damijo leads the cast, with Princess Mufeedah, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Sam Dede, Frank Donga and others.

Did A Land Apart Win an Award?

Yes. It won Best Feature Film at the 2026 Zanzibar International Film Festival.