‘Red Circle’ Redefines Cinema Experience with Café One Screenings Across Nigerian Cities

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In a bold departure from traditional multiplex launches, Red Circle, the psychological thriller directed by Akay Mason and shot by Nora Awolowo, has embarked on a unique cinematic journey one that brings the film directly into local communities via cozy café screenings. 

On August 1, the film began showing at select Café One locations across Kaduna, Uyo, Enugu, and Owerri, providing audiences with an alternative and intimate movie experience.

Unlike the grandeur of conventional cinema halls, these screenings unfold in living room-style settings, with couches, coffee, and conversations forming the backdrop to the film’s emotionally intense narrative. 

For co-creator Nora Awolowo, the shift is more than symbolic; it’s a recalibration of how stories should be shared. 

“The film feels even more powerful when shared closely,” she said. “It was made for that kind of connection.”

This launch marks the debut collaboration between FilmHub and Café One a partnership designed to plug Nollywood films into unconventional venues without sacrificing the magic of shared cinematic moments. 

For Awolowo, community cinemas represent a long-missing puzzle piece in Nigeria’s film ecosystem. “Seeing Red Circle launch in these intimate spaces means a lot,” she added.

Priced at just ₦3,000, the Café One screenings democratize access to a film that might have otherwise remained confined to urban cinema centers. 

For audiences in cities with fewer theatres or none at all, the model offers a rare second chance to catch a film post-cinema run.

The screenings, which run multiple times a week, also open the door to spontaneous interactions with cast and crew. “Nothing beats watching it with people who truly feel it,” Awolowo hinted, suggesting that viewers should expect surprise appearances at some locations.

Moses Babatope, CEO of Nile Media Group, sees the Café One initiative as a strategic shift for the Nigerian film industry. “This partnership is not about one film,” he said. “It represents a deeper shift in how we think about access, community, and the evolving cinema experience.”

According to Babatope, early trials of the model have proven that alternative screening venues  if executed properly  can be both commercially viable and secure. “It’s strengthened our resolve to support it with even more titles from our slate,” he affirmed.

Nowe Segun-Ojo, General Manager at Nile Entertainment, echoed similar sentiments, calling the screenings a quiet revolution. 

“It stretches the commercial life of a film like Red Circle, but more importantly, it represents a shift in how audiences are choosing to gather and engage.”

In a country where many communities remain underserved by conventional cinema infrastructure, the Café One rollout might just be the future of Nollywood distribution  one that blends accessibility, affordability, and intimacy in a powerful new model.

Screenings continue weekly in Owerri, Enugu, Uyo, and Kaduna, with times and tickets available directly at Café One locations.

 Whether you missed Red Circle in cinemas or simply want to experience it differently, the coffeehouse screening could be the perfect second act.

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