Who We Are

Africa's Gateway to Global Audiences

Cinemax Distribution Limited is an independent, Lagos-based film distribution and entertainment company founded in 2023 by Ope Ajayi.

We help African stories travel—connecting filmmakers with cinemas, streaming platforms, broadcasters, airlines, investors, and audiences across Africa and around the world. Through strategic distribution, licensing, marketing, and cinema partnerships, we unlock new opportunities for African content to achieve both cultural impact and commercial success.

Explore our films What we do

2023

Founded in Lagos

20+

Cinema partners

14+

Titles distributed

Distribution services

Our Story

Building the Future of African Cinema

Cinemax was founded on a simple belief: great African stories deserve world-class distribution.

We exist to bridge the gap between exceptional filmmakers and the audiences, partners, and platforms searching for authentic African storytelling. By combining commercial strategy with deep industry expertise, we help films travel further, reach wider audiences, and create greater long-term value.

Beyond distribution, Cinemax is committed to strengthening the African film ecosystem. Through industry leadership, strategic partnerships, and initiatives such as the Lagos Business of Film Summit, we champion better collaboration, credible market intelligence, and sustainable growth for the continent's creative economy.

The Team

Ope Ajayi

Founder & CEO

Ope Ajayi has over 21 years of business management, entertainment, advisory and entrepreneurship experience, with a proven track record of leading successful teams, managing start-ups, expansions and turnarounds, raising capital and debt, and growing revenue and market share. He spent 10 years in financial services and a subsequent 11 years in cinemas & film distribution. He was an Executive Director at Genesis Cinemas, where he oversaw the cinema business and numerous projects including the build & fit-out of 11 cinemas across Nigeria and Cameroon. A co-executive producer on blockbusters such as Brotherhood and Ada Omo Daddy, he is also the Executive Producer and Producer of The Party. Ope is the Founder & CEO of Cinemax Distribution Limited, and an alumnus of the University of Lagos and the Lagos Business School.

Onyeka Nnama

GM, Business Operations & Licensing

Onyeka is the GM of Business Operations at Cinemax Distribution Limited, with a professional background in sales, marketing, customer service, operations and project management across diverse industries. A goal-oriented individual with 11+ years of varied experience, she has held roles including Head of Operations, Operations Manager, Customer Service Manager and Business Development Manager. She is currently the GM of Business Operations & Licensing for Cinemax Distribution Limited.

Eric Okwara

Logistics Officer

Eric is an ambitious, hardworking and solution-focused Logistics Officer with over 5 years of experience in logistics. A team player and strong communicator with a customer-centric approach, he ensures seamless logistics coordination and timely service delivery at reduced cost — consistently improving efficiency and staying result-oriented.

Tunbosun Akerele

Creative Designer

As Creative Designer at Cinemax Distribution Limited, Tunbosun designs creatives for the company — for both digital and print — alongside graphic video creation and editing. A graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), he has over 10 years of experience across drawings and sketches, computer graphics design and video creation, having worked with various establishments in Nigeria and abroad. Branding and content management round out his expertise.

Angel Omoamila

Administrative Executive

Angel is a key member of the company's administrative team. She supports senior management and ensures the smooth operation of daily office activities. With excellent organizational and communication skills, she plays a crucial role in maintaining an efficient, productive work environment — managing administrative tasks such as organizing meetings, handling correspondence and maintaining office supplies.

Our Capabilities

The Gateway to African Stories

Distribution

Strategic theatrical releases across Africa, combining market intelligence, cinema partnerships, release planning, collections, reporting, and audience development.

Global Sales & Licensing

Connecting African content with streaming platforms, broadcasters, airlines, and international buyers through strategic rights management and licensing.

Film Financing & Co-Productions

Partnering with producers, investors, and studios to develop commercially driven projects with distribution built into the strategy from day one.

Marketing & Audience Growth

Building awareness, driving demand, and creating cultural moments through integrated campaigns, publicity, partnerships, and digital marketing.

Cinema Development

Supporting investors and exhibitors with cinema design, feasibility, technology selection, operational planning, and commercial strategy.

Cinema Management

Delivering professional cinema management, programming, operational excellence, revenue optimisation, and exceptional guest experiences.