The growing international reach of Nollywood continues to gain momentum as Iyabo Ojo brings her latest production The Return of Arinzo to cinemas in Tanzania, marking another milestone in the film’s expanding global distribution.

The actress, who also served as producer on the project, announced the Tanzanian release via her X page, expressing excitement as the film prepares to screen for East African audiences from May 29.

“You’ve heard about her… now it’s time to meet her. Arinzo will be making an appearance on the big screens of Tanzania. The Return of Arinzo starts showing in cinemas across Tanzania from May 29th!”

The film features a cross-country ensemble cast drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania, and continues the story tradition of its predecessor, the 2013 Yoruba hit Arinzo. The sequel explores layered themes of revenge, betrayal, political tension, family secrets, and personal redemption.

Box office success drives international expansion

Since its debut in late March, The Return of Arinzo has recorded strong commercial performance across West Africa. The film reportedly earned ₦104.8 million during its opening Easter weekend, a figure that positioned it as the highest-grossing Easter debut at the time, as well as the biggest opening weekend ever recorded for a Nollywood sequel.

Momentum continued beyond its debut, with the movie maintaining the number one position at the box office for two consecutive weeks. By mid-April 2026, its earnings had climbed to approximately ₦224 million, before reaching a cumulative total of ₦276.9 million after three weeks in cinemas.

Industry reports suggest the film’s sustained performance was driven by strong audience interest and word-of-mouth appeal, helping it remain competitive in the domestic market even after its initial release surge.

Global audience growth for Nollywood storytelling

Following successful screenings in West Africa, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the Tanzanian release marks another step in the film’s international rollout strategy. The expansion reflects the increasing demand for Nollywood productions across global cinema markets, particularly for high-budget sequels with pan-African casts.

With its continued box office traction and widening audience base, The Return of Arinzo stands as another example of Nollywood’s growing influence beyond its traditional borders.