The HookEnt, a creative economy investment company focused on developing intellectual property and creative assets, is set to premiere its first film production, Unclaimed.
Scheduled to hit cinemas on June 20th, 2025, with a premiere set for June 18th, Unclaimed will be distributed through strategic partnerships with licensed streaming platforms and reputable cinema chains like FilmOne.
In an effort to empower and connect creative talents with the right platforms and audiences, The HookEnt’s “Unclaimed” is a haunting psychological drama that explores love, obsession, and the deep human yearning for belonging.
The story follows Dieko, orphaned at a young age and adopted by his best friend’s family. Over time, he forms a close bond with the family’s daughter, which eventually leads to marriage. But what begins as gratitude and affection soon spirals into something far more disturbing.
“The storytelling is vivid and unnerving,” said Sam Ochonma, CEO, The HookEnt, who also noted, “Dieko isn’t just a love story—it’s a psychological descent into what happens when the need to belong turns toxic.”
According to Ochonma, this approach is aimed at preventing intellectual property violations while also ensuring accurate revenue tracking. “We’re deliberate about our distribution strategy,” he said.
“By working only with platforms that operate under strict IP agreements, we can better protect our content and maximize returns.”
Acknowledging the challenges of distribution in the Nigerian film industry, Ochonma remains optimistic about the movie’s prospects. “Unclaimed has a universal theme. Love resonates globally,” he said. “Even in a tough economy, audiences still crave good stories. The issue isn’t demand—it’s the rising cost of quality production and underdeveloped monetization channels.”
He noted that Nigeria’s film industry is rich in creative talent but lacks effective reach. “We can’t keep relying on cinema releases in a few urban areas or hope for a Netflix deal. That model isn’t scalable.”
Ochonma calls for broader distribution infrastructure, including community cinemas, mobile theatres, and digital hubs. “This is where government intervention becomes vital. Subsidizing exhibition venues, supporting tech infrastructure, and offering policy incentives for local content can unlock thousands of jobs and stimulate the economy.”
With Nollywood contributing over ₦730 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP, Ochonma believes the industry is a vital part of the country’s creative and economic future. “This is not just about art. It’s about building a sustainable, globally competitive industry with real financial weight.”
As a subsidiary of The Hook Creative Agency, The HookEnt is positioned as an independent platform dedicated to investing in globally relevant creative products. Its flagship film, Unclaimed, signals the beginning of its journey to reshape storytelling and audience engagement across the continent.
