Circuits: Africa’s Premier Virtual Cinema Revolutionizing Film Distribution
In December 2024, Circuits launched as Africa’s premier virtual cinema, providing an independent space for filmmakers to showcase their work and audiences eager to experience African stories. For years, African filmmakers, particularly in Nollywood, have faced significant challenges in content distribution. Despite the global recognition of African films, filmmakers have largely relied on foreign platforms to reach audiences.
Circuits was created to change this. By providing a dedicated platform where African films take center stage, Circuits ensures that African cinema is distributed on its own terms. Prioritizing African voices and keeping film revenue within the continent allows filmmakers to reinvest in their craft, take bigger creative risks, and produce more powerful stories. More than just a streaming service, Circuits is building an ecosystem where African cinema thrives, benefiting both creators and audiences.
Despite the challenges of a soft launch, Circuits has rapidly grown into Nigeria’s largest virtual cinema, attracting a global audience. Its strong focus on customer experience has earned widespread praise, with users appreciating its intuitive interface and commitment to showcasing authentic African storytelling. While some viewers have suggested a subscription model over the current pay-per-view system, Circuits has introduced flexible payment options that cater to different budgets while maintaining accessibility for global audiences.
Initially launched with a web application, Circuits has since expanded with dedicated mobile apps for Android and Apple devices. It has also enhanced its TV services, making its app available on Samsung, Hisense, Toshiba, Apple, and Android TVs, as well as other brands running the Vidaa Operating System. The platform continues to build a growing library of acclaimed films, featuring titles such as Seven Doors, Lisabi the Uprising, Lisabi the Legend, and Ada Omo Daddy for viewers outside Africa. Additionally, Circuits offers exclusive blockbusters including I Am Anis, Malaika, Atiko, The Weekend, Blacksmith, Ruthless, Asiri Ade, and Conversations in Transit. One of its most anticipated premieres is the award-winning French film, Souleymane’s Story, set to debut soon. With a diverse and compelling selection, the platform brings African storytelling to a global audience, ensuring its narratives are widely seen and celebrated.
Beyond supporting filmmakers, Circuits is playing a key role in job creation and economic growth. The platform has generated opportunities for screenwriters, growth and sales experts, tech developers, customer service teams, and even the hospitality sector. This expanding network is strengthening Africa’s creative economy and reinforcing the film industry’s broader impact.
Circuits does not compete with traditional cinemas but rather complements them by expanding the reach of African films beyond physical theatres. While cinemas offer a unique viewing experience, they are limited by geographical constraints and screening schedules. Circuits bridges this gap by making films available to audiences who may not have access to traditional cinemas. Additionally, by extending a film’s lifespan beyond its theatrical run, Circuits ensures continued revenue and engagement, giving audiences the flexibility to enjoy African films in cinemas or from the comfort of their homes.
In a conversation with Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Circuits, she emphasized the company’s mission to strengthen last-mile infrastructure and distribution networks for content in Africa—an area that remains underdeveloped across the continent. She stated, “We recognize that this is both an exciting and challenging endeavor, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a viable and profitable film and content ecosystem that continues to compete and thrive on a global scale.” She also hinted at Circuits’ plans to introduce live streaming, revealing that AY Live, set for Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, will stream exclusively on the platform. This move will allow audiences outside Lagos—and viewers worldwide—to experience the show in real time, bringing live entertainment to a global stage.
As Circuits continues to grow, it is reshaping the future of African storytelling and proving that African films deserve to be distributed and celebrated on their own terms. More than just a streaming platform, Circuits represents a cultural and economic movement that ensures African stories are not only seen but also owned and profited from by African creators. It is a bold step toward self-sufficiency in African entertainment, demonstrating that Africa does not need external gatekeepers to define its narratives.
