Argo Films links with David Oyelowo’s prodco for BBC Nigerian Civil War series

L-R: David Oyelowo, Richard Johns, Yvonne Isimeme Ibazebo, Bola Agbaje and Ngozi Onwurah

Newly launched UK indie Argo Films is in development on its first major television project, with actor David Oyelowo’s production company also on board the series for the BBC.

Argo, led by Richard Johns, will collaborate with Selma star Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon Productions and production giant Fremantle to develop Biafra for the UK pubcaster.

The 6×60’ limited series is being executive produced by Johns, Oyelowo, Turnover Films’ Isimeme Ibazebo and Fremantle president of global drama Christian Vesper. Ngozi Onwurah (Mama Africa) is attached to direct, with Bola Agbaje (Gone Too Far) writing.

Biafra tells the story of the Nigerian Civil War – also known as the Biafran War, which took place between 1967 and 1970 – through the eyes of a young black British woman.

“I could not have wished for a better first scripted project,” said Johns, CEO of Argo Films. “It’s an incredibly powerful story about discovering and reclaiming a lost identity and a forgotten history.”

Argo Films is home to scripted assets and development projects from Corona Television and Corona Pictures, the business Johns established with Rupert Jermyn in 2009.

The company officially launched earlier this month with a slate of TV series and feature films already in development, including several international drama copros.