Royal Hibiscus Hotel to Inspire Love, Laughter Next
Renowned for their recordbreaking Nollywood box- office reign, as one of the producers of The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai, EbonyLife Films has announced the cinema debut of its new movie, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel ( RHH). The heartwarming romantic comedy from EbonyLife Films will open in cinemas starting from February 9, in time for Valentine’s Day.
Set in Lagos and London, the movie tells the story of a passionate Nigerian chef, ‘ Ope’, following her dream of opening an African restaurant in London. Frustrated by her lack of progress, she returns to Nigeria and discovers that going home can bring pleasant surprises.
Successfully screened at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), RHH was identified as a ‘Hidden Gem’ by the panel, and was the only Nigerian movie and one of just three African titles featured at the festival.
The cast includes Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju and O.C. Ukeje, with veteran actors Rachel Oniga, Jide Kosoko, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva. It was directed by Ishaya Bako.
Mo Abudu, the Executive Producer, is thrilled about RHH being shown to audiences in Nigeria. “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel has been a special project – it is a beautiful story of love, sprinkled with delightful comedic moments. We hope it resonates with the young and young- at- heart, and reminds them of what it’s like to fall in love. We are proud of this film and anticipate it being enjoyed in cinemas across the country,” she said.
An additional source of enjoyment for moviegoers will be the RHH soundtrack. It features a score songs by award-winning musician Cobhams Asuquo, and songs by leading Nigerian artistes, including Romeo and Juliet by Johnny Drille, Chemistry by Falz and Simi, Skintight by Mr. Eazi and Tonight, Ocean and Radio by Nonso Amadi.
This Valentine’s season is gearing up to be a memorable one, thanks to the imminent release of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel in movie theatres. Its feel-good plot and touching scenes are set to melt hearts and inspire audiences to chase their dreams and never give up on love.