Nollywood: Mimi Bartel joins Anakle Films as co-founder

Anakle Films, the production company behind ‘The Black Book’, has appointed Mimi Bartels, former FilmOne executive, as creative head and co-founder, according to an In Nollywood report.

This announcement comes several months after Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe Damijo joined the board of directors as chairman of the production company, positioning the company as a significant player in the film world.

At Anakle Films, Bartels’ role will include identifying potential local and international hits by blending intuition with data, developing stories, and refining them for pitches with investors.

She will also pursue strategic collaborations with creatives and other production companies to produce films and stories that resonate with Nigerian audiences and beyond.

“As a co-founder of Anakle Films, my primary focus is on driving perpetual growth and success for our studio. My role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to creation, development, execution, distribution, relationship-building, and industry positioning,” Bartels said.

Anakle Films will announce its new leadership team later today. Editi Effiong, chief executive officer of Anakle Films, believes that the company’s primary goal is to “play in the global industry,” and “it is important to have the right people around to make that happen,” according to reports.

Bartels, who has served in different capacities at FilmOne Entertainment for more than seven years, will join Anakle Films with a wealth of experience in executive roles.

She most recently held the general manager position at the newly repositioned FilmOne Studios, overseeing the production of the first original Adire. She led the company’s collaboration with Funke Akindele’s blockbuster hit Battle on Buka Street, which is currently the second highest-grossing film in Nollywood.