Nigerian Crime Thriller Wire Wire Makes International Debut at Joburg Film Festival

By Thembi Moyo

The unreleased Nigerian crime thriller Wire Wire had its international premiere at the Joburg Film Festival on Wednesday evening, 4 March 2026, at the Nu Metro cinemas in Hyde Park. The screening attracted filmmakers, actors, diplomats and film lovers who gathered to experience the latest production from renowned Nigerian filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters.

The film, produced by BAP Productions and directed by Austen-Peters, reflects the continued global growth of Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant movie industry which has become one of the largest film industries in the world. Wire Wire tells the story of Toby, a brilliant but struggling university graduate and computer developer who becomes involved with a network of sophisticated internet scammers. As the group’s operations grow larger and more dangerous, Toby begins to face difficult moral choices. When violence begins to creep into their activities, he secretly works with law enforcement in an attempt to dismantle the network from within while planning one final operation.

Speaking after the screening, director Bolanle Austen-Peters said the inspiration for the film came from a personal experience. “One morning I woke up and got an email asking me to change my password. I did that and suddenly money started disappearing from my account 100,000, 200,000, 300,000, 400,000. I realised I had been hacked. That experience made me want to understand how these people think, and that is how the story of Wire Wire started.”

She explained that the project took several years to complete as the team worked carefully on the story. “This film is about two and a half to three years old. We shot it, paused, and later returned to it again. In total we spent between $400,000 and $500,000 making the film. It was mostly self-funded, but eventually a friend came on board to help us complete the project.” Austen-Peters said the film carries a strong message for audiences.

“The message of Wire Wire is simple: crime does not pay. Fraud is not only a Nigerian problem it is a global problem. Many young people are under pressure in society, but that does not justify choosing crime. There must always be a better path.” The film features an ensemble Nollywood cast including Blossom Chukwujekwu, Lasisi Elenu, Neo Akpofure, Bisola Aiyeola and Toke Makinwa.

Eyinna Nwigwe attended the Johannesburg screening said he immediately accepted the opportunity to be part of the film because of his admiration for the director. “When she reached out to me for this film, I said yes immediately. I didn’t even ask what role I would be playing. She is a perfectionist and one of my favourite female directors in Nigeria. The project took years of writing, shooting and reshooting, but the final result is something every actor involved is proud of.” He also thanked audiences for the strong turnout at the screening.

“It is always special to see a full cinema when a film is shown. As actors we truly appreciate that support, and it means a lot to see people come out to experience the film.” Another cast member, actor Boma Akpere, who was visiting South Africa for the first time, also shared his excitement about being part of the premiere.

“This is my first time in South Africa and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be here. I want to thank the director for trusting me with this role and thank everyone who worked on the film for making this journey possible.” During the evening, Austen-Peters also reflected on her journey into storytelling. Before entering the film industry, she worked as a lawyer and later with the United Nations in different parts of the world before deciding to pursue filmmaking.

“Stories are powerful. They change perceptions and they also create jobs. When I left law and decided to focus on storytelling, I did not know where the journey would take me, but it has been an incredible experience.” She added that collaboration is one of the most important elements of filmmaking.

“You need the ability to bring many people together in one room and ensure that everyone understands the same vision. When everyone is working in the same direction, you can create something powerful.” Austen-Peters also thanked the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa and the Nigerian community for their support during the festival.

“We travel around the world, but it is not always that you receive the kind of support we have received here. The Nigerian mission and the community helped make this premiere possible.” Following its successful screening at the Joburg Film Festival, Wire Wire is expected to receive a wider cinema and streaming release later in 2026.