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

34+

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 is a seasoned business executive and film industry leader with over two decades of professional experience spanning finance, cinema exhibition, film distribution, and content production. Following a successful 10-year career in financial services, Ope transitioned into the entertainment industry, where he has spent the last 13 years driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across the cinema and film value chain. As Executive Director of Genesis Cinemas, he led the company's expansion from three to eleven cinema locations, overseeing the development and fit-out of cinemas across Nigeria and Cameroon. He also established and managed Genesis Pictures, successfully distributing notable films including Brotherhood, Jexi, and Spiral. His contributions to filmmaking extend into production, having served as Co-Executive Producer on Brotherhood, Queen Lateefah, Gingerrr, Thinline, and Ada Omo Daddy, as well as Executive Producer and Producer of The Party, which streams on Netflix and Kava. In 2023, he founded Cinemax Distribution Limited, reinforcing his commitment to strengthening film distribution and creating sustainable opportunities for premium content across Africa's growing entertainment landscape.

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.

Kate Adekunle

Marketing Executive

Kate Adekunle is a results-driven Digital Marketing Executive with over four years of experience translating business objectives into compelling content and driving marketing growth across diverse industries.

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

Operations Manager

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.

Eva Ibiam

Head, Business Development And Special Projects

Eva Ibiam is a Nigerian actor, entrepreneur, and creative professional with experience spanning film, television, brand partnerships, and creative strategy. She has starred in acclaimed local and international productions across Netflix, Prime Video, Showmax, and Africa Magic, while also building businesses in the creative and lifestyle sectors. With a strong network across the entertainment industry and a passion for identifying growth opportunities, Eva brings a unique blend of commercial insight, relationship management, and creative execution to every project.

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.