The sophomore feature film from Nigerian director Ishaya Bako follows 30-something Ope (Zainab Balogun), who is—for lack of a better word—struggling. Her life as an up-and-coming London restaurateur hasn’t quite worked out the way she’d planned, and she is in desperate need of a new outlook. Hoping for a fresh start, she returns to her parent’s quaint resort hotel in Lagos, expecting open arms. Instead, she is greeted with a new development—her parents are selling the place to the handsome and enigmatic Deji.
Ope is not pleased, and she butts heads with Deji over the future of the hotel, unaware that their bitterness toward one another may veer dangerously close to romance. Featuring stellar performances from Balogun and Kenneth Okalie, as well as from Nollywood icons Jide Kosoko and Rachel Oniga, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is marvelous romantic comedy centered around sparring wills.
Director Biography
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, Ishaya Bako studied at London Film School and Covenant University prior to his directorial career. As a filmmaker, he has produced several shorts, namely Braids and Bald Head (’10) and Henna (‘15), which led to his feature-film debut Road to Yesterday (’15).
Press
"If you’re thinking of great food & a love-filled atmosphere, the boutique hotel is just right for you." - The Guardian
Sponsored by:
