Features, reviews, and essays on film and TV shows from across the African continent
Stanley Obi’s Love in Every Word which was released on Omoni Oboli’s YouTube channel has monopolized Nigerians’ attention since its release. The film, written by Mfon-Abasi Micheal Inyang, has amassed over 7 million views (as of the time of writing this essay) and has been the subject of numerous conversations. The heightened level of discourse […]
1 week ago
An announcement meant to celebrate African storytelling instead ignited debates about Hollywood’s disregard for Nollywood talent, accusations of cultural interloping, and the perceived insensitivity of Western production teams.
2 months ago
As we look back on the previous year’s releases, debuts, and industry-defining moments in Nigerian Film, it’s time we look forward and embrace what this year might hold for Nigerian Film. Here’s what and who to keep an eye on as the year continues to take shape. I do not come to you by chance […]
2 months ago
Two brothers on a mission to reshape how African stories are shared with the world.
1 day ago
The current state of African cinema is a consequence of many years of sweat and blood. Pioneers of what is today a booming, dynamic industry never had it easy in their times, particularly in the 20th century when the continent was largely subjected to infamous policies under colonial rule and post-colonial military dictatorships. In 1934, […]
1 day ago
Acting is a profession that comes with physical and mental demands, which include studying and interpreting the writer’s script, memorizing lines, attending auditions, and showing up for rehearsals and performances where and when necessary. In film, there are additional expectations for the actor, which may include getting involved in promotional content, honoring media interviews and […]
2 days ago
When I listened to Joewackle J. Kusi’s audio drama, Goodbye Gold Coast, for the second time, I started to interrogate Nigeria’s history and political climate. Did this interrogation start when my secondary school government teacher passionately taught? Did that conscious conversation start when I chanced upon Chimanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus? Or was it earlier, […]
2 days ago
Sundance has long been a driving force in the global film industry, with its Sundance Film Festival recognized as one of the most prestigious platforms for independent cinema. In a historic moment for Nigerian cinema, C.J. Obasi’s Mami Wata became the first Nigerian film to have its world premiere at the festival, earning the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography, a milestone that highlights Sundance’s role in elevating diverse storytelling.
3 days ago
Stories about the underworld, narratives that reveal the intricacies of organized crime, have often made it to the Nollywood corpus. The underworld in such stories is connected with powerful individuals and groups, some belonging to the political class, enabled by state authorities. We have examples of these stories in classics like Glamour Girls and more […]
4 days ago
The promotional poster for Finding Me proudly proclaims it comes “from the producers of the 3 biggest Nollywood blockbusters.” The film is produced by FAAN (Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network) and directed by Funke Akindele, with Isioma Osaje as co-director. Undeniably, Akindele is one of Nollywood’s most accomplished filmmakers and the three films the poster likely […]
4 days ago
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) announced its list of nominees already. Obsessing over the list and the conversation it has generated in film circles, I wrote a few thoughts down about this year’s list and by extension the awarding body. Snubbing Some of the Best Films of 2024 Korede Azeez’s With Difficulty […]
4 days ago
Thirteen minutes into the Ola Cardoso-directed action drama Suky, James Damilare’s character, the older Suky, shows up in a jalabiya, a Muslim devout, while observing an ablution. The next few scenes that come in quick succession reveal him lifting weights, which prepares us ahead for the experience of his heroism. Scenes after—the gruesome murder of […]
4 days ago
Before Love in Every Word even introduces Odogwu, played by Uzor Arukwe, his presence is foreshadowed, not as an individual but as an archetype. More than just a wealthy man, the Odogwu represents a cultural ideal: in Igbo tradition, the term signifies a man of great wealth, strength, and social influence. Historically, Odogwu connotes leadership […]
6 days ago
