February is known to be the season of love and in that vein, all is set for the romantic movie, ‘The Royal Hibiscus Hotel’, to hit the cinemas. Set in Lagos and London, ‘The Royal Hibiscus Hotel’ tells the story of a passionate Nigerian chef, ‘Ope’, who follows 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.
After being successfully screened at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, ‘The Royal Hibiscus Hotel’ 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 the Nigerian audience.
“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 by award-winning musician like 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.
