EbonyLife Place, a new Black and African cinema and cultural hub, has officially opened in south-west London near Nine Elms. The venue was unveiled with a ceremony attended by its founder, Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu, and the Mayor of London, Lord Khan.
Abudu, who was born in London, stated that the project aims to showcase and celebrate stories that she felt previously lacked a dedicated space. She highlighted the importance of creating experiences for people to see the work in Black and African cinema, noting a lack of such spaces in the United Kingdom.
The cultural centre features a 160-seat auditorium that will offer a year-round film programme, primarily focusing on Nollywood cinema from Nigeria and other films connected to the Black experience. Beyond screenings, EbonyLife Place will host masterclasses, industry panels, and live performances by both established and emerging talent.
The multi-storey complex also includes a bar, a lounge named "Fàhinti," a Nigerian restaurant, and a boutique showcasing African and diaspora designers. The project, largely financed by Abudu's media group, mirrors an upscale lifestyle complex she launched in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2019. The opening coincides with the London Film Festival.