The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announced that its investment affiliate has backed a Nigerian-produced feature film that has secured international distribution, in a deal that places African capital behind a globally released title.

CANEX Creations Inc., the intellectual property investment subsidiary supported by the Fund for Export Development in Africa, said it has invested in Clarissa, a Lagos-set drama directed by Nigerian twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri. The film has been acquired for worldwide distribution by NEON, which will oversee theatrical release in the United States and international markets, with NEON International handling foreign sales.

Production financing for filming in Nigeria was provided entirely by Africa-based institutions, led by CANEX Creations Inc. alongside MBO Capital. The structure positions African investors at the core of a project now entering global commercial circuits.

Osahon Akpata, chief executive of CANEX Creations Inc., said the acquisition demonstrates the viability of Africa-backed financing models for internationally scalable film content. He described the film as combining literary heritage, global-standard filmmaking and African production capacity while remaining rooted on the continent.

Clarissa is a contemporary reimagining of a classic novel relocated to Lagos. Shot on 35mm across Lagos and Delta State, the story unfolds over a single evening as the central character prepares to host a party and confronts former friends and long-held memories.

The ensemble cast includes Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo and Ayo Edebiri, alongside India Amarteifio, Toheeb Jimoh and Nikki Amuka-Bird. The Esiri brothers wrote, directed and produced the film, building on the recognition of their debut feature, which premiered internationally and received multiple awards.

Chuko Esiri said the filmmakers were intentional about ensuring both the story and its financing were anchored in Africa. He added that shooting on 35mm reflected an effort to position the film within established cinematic traditions.

Afreximbank said the investment forms part of its broader strategy to support export-ready African intellectual property across film and other creative sectors, linking continent-backed projects to international markets.