Magic Carpet Studios has released an animation trailer for their upcoming film adaptation of Cyprian Ekwensi’s classic novel The Passport of Mallam Ilia. The animated feature brings the beloved 1960 novel to screen, marking a significant milestone in African animation.
Written in 1948 and published in 1960, The Passport of Mallam Ilia follows Ilia’s quest for revenge after his wife Zarah is killed by his enemy, Mallam Usman. Set primarily in Kano, the story explores themes of love, loss, and redemption as Ilia’s journey ultimately leads him to confront his greatest enemy: himself.
Magic Carpet Studios, a Lagos-based animation company, has partnered with major brands including Cartoon Network, Sesame Street, and Microsoft. The studio aims to bridge generational gaps through this adaptation, as CEO Ferdinand Adimefe explains: “The animated movie project aims to connect the younger generation with the older one… exposing the younger generation to the remarkable work of the late iconic writer.”
Watch the animation trailer below:
In a conversation with Tech Cabal, producer, Adimefe shared that the 7-year animation project is now in its final stages and is geared to hit our screens in April 2026. A first-look teaser dropped in April 2025, but the full feature is not yet available. Behind-the-scenes features, social media updates, and crowdfunding efforts (including a still-active campaign on WeFunder) are available for those interested in the production journey. For the latest updates, follow Magic Carpet Studios on Instagram here.
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