What if Jesus Was Born in Ancient Nigeria? Play Network Set to Reimagine the Birth of Jesus in Nigeria

What if the most famous story in history didn't happen in a distant land, but right here in the heart of ancient Nigeria? Imagine the story of Mary and Joseph unfolding amidst the royal grandeur of the great Benin Empire or within the lush, mysterious landscapes of a kingdom in the Niger Delta.

This is the bold vision behind Silent Night, the latest cinematic project from Play Network Studios and Mondjila Studios.

Produced by filmmaker and entrepreneur Charles Okpaleke, this film is described as a "thought experiment" that moves the story of the Nativity into a pre-colonial Nigerian setting. It reimagines the journey of Mary and Joseph not just as a religious text, but as a mythic tale of devotion and betrayal set within a world of deep traditions and vibrant culture.

While we often think of this story in divine terms, Silent Night focuses on the deeply human side of the experience. At the center of the plot are two ordinary people whose lives are turned upside down by a pregnancy that cannot be explained.

As they navigate their new reality, they find themselves surrounded by a world that is beautifully flawed and in need of grace. The story explores the weight of carrying an extraordinary truth when the community responds with whispers, rumors, and even violent obsession.

The drama reaches a peak as the man is faced with an impossible choice. He must decide whether to walk away from a situation he cannot understand or stand by a truth that could cost him everything.

To bring such an ambitious vision to life, Play Network has assembled a stellar creative team. The film is set to be directed by Moses Inwang, produced by Rogers Ofime, and features a screenplay written by Olympia Okonmah and Lucas Tobin-Campbell.

Together, they are crafting a visual language that uses the cultural backdrops of ancient Nigeria to explore themes of hope, responsibility, and the courage to say “yes” when the path ahead makes no sense.

While specific details about the release are still being kept under wraps, Silent Night looks like the perfect blockbuster to look forward to during the Christmas holiday season. It is an ambitious, first-of-its-kind project that shows a commitment to telling African stories that resonate across borders.

In the end, it is a story about ordinary people stepping into an extraordinary purpose and choosing faith over fear. As the creators remind us, sometimes the most radical thing you can do is simply believe.