Silverbird Film Distribution

Overview

Silverbird Film Distribution (W.A.) Limited is a West African film distribution and exhibition company established in 2007 as part of the Silverbird Group. The company operates the Silverbird Cinemas multiplex chain across Ghana and Nigeria, distributing major international studio films alongside Nollywood and Ghanaian productions. Silverbird Film Distribution was the official theatrical distribution partner for United International Pictures (UIP) - the joint venture between Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures - across Anglophone West Africa for more than eight years, until UIP appointed Nile Entertainment as its exclusive regional partner effective February 27, 2026.

For international filmmakers seeking Ghanaian or West African theatrical distribution, Silverbird's exhibition footprint makes it the primary contact for formal theatrical release in Ghana. The company operates two cinema locations in Ghana (Accra Mall and West Hills Mall) and five locations in Nigeria (Ikeja City Mall, Victoria Island, Abuja Entertainment Center, Jabi Lake Mall, and Galaxy Mall Kaduna). Ticket prices range from 100 to 150 GHc ($7-10 USD) per screening in Ghana.

The UIP Transition and Nile Entertainment

In February 2026, United International Pictures (UIP) appointed Nile Entertainment as its exclusive theatrical distribution partner for Anglophone West Africa, covering Nigeria and Ghana. This ended Silverbird Film Distribution's eight-year run as the UIP partner in the region. UIP and Nile publicly acknowledged Silverbird's contribution to building the modern theatrical ecosystem in West Africa.

The transition means that Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures titles - including The Odyssey, Scary Movie 6, Street Fighter, Minions and Monsters, and Scream 7 - will now be distributed theatrically by Nile Entertainment across the region from February 27, 2026 onward. Paramount's market share in Anglo-West Africa had already declined from 13% (N758.2 million) in 2024 to 8.72% (N582 million) in 2025, while Universal's share held relatively steady at 9.86% (N658.4 million) in 2025.

For filmmakers, this transition means that Silverbird's distribution focus is shifting. The company retains its exhibition infrastructure and will continue to program Hollywood titles (now acquired through Nile Entertainment's distribution rather than its own UIP partnership), alongside Nollywood and Ghanaian films. Silverbird also retains its own local distribution partnerships with Nigerian and Ghanaian producers.

Exhibition Infrastructure in Ghana

Silverbird Cinemas operates two locations in Ghana:

Accra Mall

Located on the second floor of Accra Mall, this location offers five high-tech screens with 2D, 3D, and 4DX (motion-enabled seating) formats. The cinema operates seven days a week. Contact: Box Office/Enquiry (00233) 544310140, Business Manager (00233) 544310134.

West Hills Mall

Located at Weija, off the Accra Cape Coast Highway near the Old Barrier. This location has five screens with 2D and 3D projection and Dolby Cinema sound. The venue seats over 1,200 people, with the largest hall accommodating up to 300 viewers. West Hills operates as a weekend-only cinema (Friday through Sunday). Contact: Box Office/Enquiry (00233) 544310133, Business Manager (00233) 544310139.

Both locations screen a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, Nollywood hits, and local Ghanaian films. Current programming as of July 2026 includes titles like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Toy Story 5, Supergirl, Moana, and Nollywood releases including Remi & Nneoma and Njem: The Journey.

Exhibition Infrastructure in Nigeria

Silverbird Cinemas also operates five locations in Nigeria:

The Nigerian locations program a similar mix of Hollywood, Nollywood, and local content. Nigeria's theatrical market is significantly larger than Ghana's, with FilmOne yearbook reports tracking box office performance by distributor and studio.

West African Theatrical Market Context

Ghana's theatrical market is small by global standards but commercially significant within West Africa. Accra and Kumasi are the primary theatrical markets. Silverbird's two Ghana locations represent the near-totality of formal multiplex cinema in the country, giving the company structural market dominance similar to Ster-Kinekor's position in South Africa.

The broader West African theatrical market is growing. UIP Managing Director Cameron Hogg noted in February 2026 that "West Africa continues to grow as one of the most dynamic theatrical markets in the world," with audiences expanding, cinema infrastructure evolving, and exhibitors investing in premium experiences. The region's growth has attracted new distribution entrants including Nile Entertainment, which previously released Red Circle, Everybody Loves Jenifa, and Alive Till Dawn in Nigeria.

Ghana has a vibrant local film industry, sometimes called Ghallywood, producing English-language and Twi-language films for domestic audiences and the Ghanaian diaspora. Ghanaian films reach domestic audiences through Silverbird's theatrical venues alongside informal DVD and digital distribution channels. Nollywood productions from Nigeria travel to Ghana through both formal distribution (Silverbird programming) and informal channels.

What Filmmakers Should Know

For International Filmmakers Seeking Ghanaian Theatrical Distribution

Silverbird's exhibition dominance in Ghana makes it the essential contact for any formal theatrical release in the country. Ghana's growing English-educated urban middle class represents an audience for international arthouse and quality commercial cinema. However, Silverbird's commercial programming priorities favor Hollywood studio releases and major Nollywood productions over smaller-scale international arthouse films.

Following the UIP transition, Hollywood titles from Universal and Paramount now reach Ghanaian screens through Nile Entertainment's distribution arrangement with Silverbird's exhibition venues. Titles from other studios (Disney, Warner Bros., Sony) continue to reach Silverbird screens through their respective distribution partners.

For Ghanaian Filmmakers

Silverbird provides the only meaningful formal theatrical platform in Ghana. The challenge for Ghanaian independent productions is that Silverbird's commercial programming priorities favor international studio releases and major Nollywood productions over smaller-scale domestic productions. Screen access is competitive for Ghanaian independent films.

Ghanaian filmmakers seeking theatrical release at Silverbird should approach the cinema's programming team directly with a completed film, marketing plan, and evidence of audience demand. Ticket pricing at 100-150 GHc per screening means that theatrical revenue in Ghana is modest compared to Nigeria or South Africa, but a successful theatrical run can drive subsequent digital and VOD revenue.

For Nollywood Filmmakers

Silverbird's Nigerian locations program Nollywood films alongside Hollywood titles. Major Nollywood releases like Everybody Loves Jenifa, Wives on Strike: The Uprising, and Ajosepo: The Gathering have screened at Silverbird cinemas in both Nigeria and Ghana. Nollywood films that perform well at the Nigerian box office often travel to Silverbird's Ghana locations for additional theatrical revenue.

Contact and Booking

• Silverbird Cinemas Ghana: silverbirdcinemas.com
• Silverbird Film Distribution: silverbirdfd.com
• Accra Mall Box Office: (00233) 544310140
• West Hills Mall Box Office: (00233) 544310133

See Also

For West African commercial distribution, see FilmOne Entertainment in this directory. For the Africa Movie Academy Awards recognizing Ghanaian and West African cinema, see the Film Awards Directory. To model the revenue potential of a West African theatrical release, use the Revenue Forecast Calculator. For how theatrical distribution deals are structured in emerging markets, see Distribution Deals Explained on the blog.