In a small corner of the most populous country in Africa, billions of dollars of crude oil flow under the feet of a desperate people. Immense wealth and abject poverty stand in stark contrast. The environment is decimated. The issues are complex, the answers elusive.

The documentary film Sweet Crude tells the story of Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The region is seething and the global stakes are high. But in this moment, there’s an opportunity to find solutions. What if the world paid attention before it was too late?

We are thrilled to announce that Sweet Crude is among the first films to be released by Area23a, a new-model distribution company headed by indie industry veterans Richard Abramowitz and Kirt Eftekhar. Area23a focuses on event driven films, offering alternative ways to reach audiences with theatrical exposure through openings in libraries, museums, community centers, and college campuses, in addition to traditional venues like theaters, cinematheques and festivals. And we are excited to partner with Justice In Nigeria Now (JINN) to use the film as a tool for activism to promote peace in the Niger Delta – something that has always been at the heart of our purpose in making Sweet Crude. Stay tuned for cities, dates and details!