Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy is making waves in the world of cinema, using his star power to elevate pan-African storytelling with the revenge thriller “3 Cold Dishes.” This high-stakes film, focusing on three African women seeking retribution against those who exploited them, promises to redefine and promote African cinema on a global scale.
Empowering African Narratives
“3 Cold Dishes” unfolds across Nigeria, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, showcasing the rich tapestry of African cultures and landscapes. Directed by Nigerian filmmaker Asurf Oluseyi, who honed his skills via YouTube and music videos, including collaborations with Burna Boy, the film ambitively merges music and storytelling. Burna Boy contributes two tracks to the movie’s powerful score, further intertwining his musical prowess with cinematic artistry.
Oluseyi emphasizes the importance of transforming “African cinema” from a regional term into a globally recognized genre. “As Africans, we have shared stories and realities,” he tells Variety. “We want films that are seen as African, not merely from a specific country. This is my dream, and I know we need to start somewhere.”
Strategic Global Release
Driven by Burna Boy’s influence and Oluseyi’s vision, “3 Cold Dishes” debuted on October 3 at a sold-out premiere in London, ahead of its UK release on November 7. This strategic choice leverages London’s significance as a hub for the Nigerian diaspora and Burna Boy’s adopted home. Following its UK launch, the film will open the Africa International Film Festival in Lagos on November 2 and then roll out across 26 African countries, with plans for releases in France, the U.S., and Canada.
Oluseyi explains, “Starting the premiere in London signals that it’s a Pan-African project, not just a Nigerian one.” This broadened perspective is designed to elevate African cinema’s reach and impact.
The Power of Language and Story
The multi-lingual approach of “3 Cold Dishes” adds another layer of accessibility and appeal. Available in English and French with subtitles, or fully dubbed in French, the film bridges linguistic divides, a rarity among African movies. This aspect, combined with its striking CinemaScope visuals, positions the thriller as a breakout picture in global markets.
The narrative delves into the often-overlooked issue of intra-African sex trafficking. Unlike films that depict migration to Europe, “3 Cold Dishes” focuses on the 90% of victims trafficked within the continent itself, presenting a story that is both crucial and resonant.
Redefining African Cinema’s Scope
The producers, including Burna Boy’s Spaceship Films, Ifind, Alma Prods., Asurf Films, and Martian Network, have committed substantial resources, with a budget around $1 million—considered significant for an African production. The ambition is clear: create mainstream African films that appeal internationally and are commercially viable. “It was essential to make a film that people want to watch, and one that generates returns,” Oluseyi notes.
With world sales handled by Pape Boye and CAA representing the film in North America, “3 Cold Dishes” is poised to make a lasting impact, showcasing what pan-African cinema can achieve when combined with the unique cultural influence and creativity of artists like Burna Boy.
