1.BAP Productions’ Unreleased Movie Wire Wire Gets Its First Look at Joburg Film Festival
2.Nigerian Crime Thriller Wire Wire Makes International Debut at Joburg Film Festival
3.First Look: Bolanle Austen-Peters’ Wire Wire Screens at Joburg Film Festival
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, filmmaker and cultural entrepreneur Bolanle Austen-Peters is spotlighting the power of women in leadership and storytelling with the first international showcase of her unreleased film, Wire Wire. The film had its first look at the Joburg Film Festival in South Africa, where it screened on March 4, 2026.
Directed by Austen-Peters and produced by BAP Productions, Wire Wire is a gritty Nigerian crime thriller that explores the high-stakes world of internet fraud and cybersecurity. The film reflects a bold creative direction, moving away from the society glamour seen in earlier works such as The Bling Lagosians and instead focusing on class tension, digital crime, and the pressures facing young Nigerians in an increasingly complex economy.
The story follows Toby, a brilliant but struggling university graduate and computer developer whose life changes after he becomes involved with a network of sophisticated scammers. As their operations grow more advanced and dangerous, Toby is forced to confront difficult moral choices. When violence begins to shadow their activities, he seeks a way out, planning one final operation while secretly collaborating with law enforcement to dismantle the network from within.
The film features an extensive ensemble cast including Lasisi Elenu, Bucci Franklin, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Bisola Aiyeola, Erica Nlewedim, Neo Akpofure, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, Tacha (Natacha Akide), Lilian Afegbai, Boma Akpore, Olarotimi Michael Fakunle, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Kelvinmary Ndukwe, Uzo Osimkpa, Abayomi Alvin, and Onyeka Fiaka.
Speaking on the film and its International Women’s Day showcase, Austen-Peters said:
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that women are not just participating in the creative industry — we are building it. With Wire Wire, we wanted to tell a story that reflects real pressures in our society today. It is bold, it is honest, and it shows that women can lead powerful stories in every genre.”
The International Women’s Day timing highlights Austen-Peters’ continued role as one of the few female filmmakers in Nigeria consistently leading large-scale productions across theatre and film. Through BAP Productions, she continues to expand opportunities within the creative sector and take Nigerian stories to global platforms.
Following its festival showcase at the Joburg Film Festival, Wire Wire is expected to have a wider theatrical or streaming release later in 2026.
