Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has opened a cinema in London dedicated to African and Black films, hoping to change the negative views of Africa she encountered while growing up in England.
Abudu opened EbonyLife Place London on Thursday, October 8, in south-west London near Nine Elms. The centre has a 160-seat auditorium for film screenings, performances and cultural events. London Mayor Sadiq Khan attended the opening.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) describes the venue as the UK’s first cinema dedicated exclusively to African and Black films.
Abudu recalls stereotypes about Africa
Speaking in an interview with BBC Africa shared on X on Friday, Abudu recalled how people often linked Africa with “poverty” and babies with flies on their faces when asked what came to mind at the mention of the continent.
She said newspaper reports and television coverage helped shape these views.
Growing up in England, Abudu often found herself explaining African and Nigerian life to people around her. She recalled facing “the most pathetic questions” and hearing hurtful comments. She said she learned to swallow them and move on.
Abudu said racism is real and argued that people must present a different picture of Africa to challenge such views.
Cinema to showcase African and Black stories
Abudu described EbonyLife Place London as a permanent home for African and Black films, food and fashion. She wants the centre to give underrepresented communities a space to share their stories and welcome audiences from other backgrounds.
She explained that the cinema would not keep African and Black films off other platforms. Instead, she believes the community needs spaces where people can feel safe, share their work and shape how others see them.
Membership will remain open to everyone, regardless of ethnicity or nationality. However, the organisers have yet to announce details of the membership scheme.
The cinema’s programme is still being finalised. It will feature films from across Africa, movies celebrating Black actors and storytelling, EbonyLife productions and the next Black Panther film.
Abudu eyes expansion to Paris
Abudu also told AFP that she hopes to open a similar venue in Paris, possibly through a partnership.
The 62-year-old, who was born in London, heads a media group with interests beyond Nigeria. AFP credits her with helping usher in the era of Nollywood blockbusters.
She described the London cinema project as “a bit of a mad dream”.
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