Charles Okpaleke (born 14 March 1983) is a Nigerian film producer.[1][2] His debut film, Living In Bondage: Breaking Free[3] won seven awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2020, including the Best Movie (West Africa) and Best Overall Movie categories.[4] He has also acquired the rights to remake Nollywood classics including Rattle Snake,[5][6] Nneka the Pretty Serpent[7] and Glamour Girls.[8]
Charles Okpaleke | |
|---|---|
| Born | Charles Okpaleke (1983-03-14) 14 March 1983 (age 39) Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | University of Nigeria University of Birmingham |
| Occupation | Producer |
| Spouse(s) | Ogochukwu Okpaleke |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Julian Okpaleke (father) Florence Okpaleke (mother) |
Okpaleke was born to Julian Chukwuemeka Okpaleke,[citation needed] an Assistant Inspector General of the Nigerian Police and Florence Ngozi Okpaleke, an attorney. Okpaleke attended Kings College Lagos[citation needed] and the University of Nigeria[5] where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in 2005. He obtained a master's degree in Health Economics and Health Policy from the University of Birmingham in 2007.[1]
In 2015, Charles Okpaleke acquired the rights to Living in Bondage from Kenneth Nnebue for a remake.[9] In 2018, it was made public that the film will be a sequel instead of a remake and titled Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. Principal photography of Living in Bondage: Breaking Free took place on location in Lagos, Owerri and Durban.[10] As the effects of corona virus pandemic bit harder in Nollywood, Charles Okpaleke introduced drive-in cinemas in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.[11][12][13] He did this in collaboration with Silverbird Group and Genesis Cinemas.[14][15][16] Okpaleke has also acquired the rights to remake three other Nollywood classics, Rattle Snake, Nneka the Pretty Serpent and Glamour Girls through his Play Network Africa company.