Editi Effiong

EARLY LIFE

Editi Effiong grew up in a house filled with books. His father studied literature and linguistics, which strongly influenced him. By age 12 he had read the entire African Writers Series and knew he wanted to become either a writer or a filmmaker. He began writing early and, at around age 14, completed his first novel, a roughly 300-page work titled A Mile from Life. His father initially opposed his artistic ambitions, leading to years of pushback. At 17 he taught himself coding and web design. He later studied Environmental Science at the University of Calabar (which he has described as not aligning with his true interests). During his university years he was active in dance and stage productions.

CAREER

Effiong began his professional path in technology and digital marketing. He worked as country manager for XEQ Technology and as a product manager before founding Anakle (around 2010–2011), one of Nigeria’s leading digital marketing agencies. Through Anakle and later Anakle Labs he has delivered work for clients including Wikipedia, Globacom, Diageo, Access Bank, Sterling Bank, and others. He has also advised startups and built solutions for financial services and telecoms. In 2018 he launched Anakle Films to focus on African storytelling for global audiences. His producing credits include: Up North (2018, story by Effiong; directed by Tope Oshin) – one of Anakle’s first theatrical releases, later acquired by Netflix; strong box-office performance. The Setup (2019) – also acquired by Netflix. Fishbone (2020 short film) – written and directed by Effiong; focuses on pharmaceutical drug counterfeiting and was made in partnership with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and the U.S. Justice Department. Day of Destiny (2021, executive producer) – a sci-fi/time-travel film. The Setup 2 (2022, executive producer). In 2023 he made his feature directorial debut with The Black Book, an action thriller he also wrote and produced (budget reported at over $1 million). It became a major global success on Netflix, ranking in the worldwide Top 3 (the first Nigerian-made film to do so) and performing strongly across multiple countries. A sequel, The Black Book 2: Old Scores, was announced with Effiong returning as writer and director, alongside producer Nicholas Weinstock (known for Severance). He continues to balance work in film, technology, and advertising, describing himself as an entrepreneur operating across these fields.

PERSONAL LIFE

Effiong has spoken openly about personal loss. He lost his youngest brother to cancer. In 2013 he and his partner lost their son Bibi, who was born at 24 weeks, survived RSV and an induced coma, and spent nine months in the neonatal intensive care unit before his death. He has described himself as familiar with grief. He is a father and has been involved in philanthropy, including funding clean water projects and computer education labs that have served over 1,000 children from low-income families. He also documented the post-#EndSARS judicial panel proceedings in 2020, sharing updates publicly.

Editi Effiong is regarded as a bridge between Nigeria’s tech/startup ecosystem and contemporary Nollywood. His background in coding, product management, and digital storytelling has informed a data-driven, ambitious approach to filmmaking. He serves on boards such as the Mirabel Centre and remains active in both commercial and socially conscious projects. Through Anakle Films he continues to push for higher production values and original African narratives with global reach.