Features, reviews, and essays on film and TV shows from across the African continent
In the center of a metaphorical boxing ring, three Nollywood filmmakers step into the spotlight: Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, and Jade Osiberu. Akindele steps forward with her tried-and-true champion, Everybody Loves Jenifa, a franchise that has consistently won the hearts of Nigerian cinema enthusiasts. Toyin Abraham counters with Alakada: Bad and Boujiee. And completing the […]
7 hours ago
In the center of a metaphorical boxing ring, three Nollywood filmmakers step into the spotlight: Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, and Jade Osiberu. Akindele steps forward with her tried-and-true champion, Everybody Loves Jenifa, a franchise that has consistently won the hearts of Nigerian cinema enthusiasts. Toyin Abraham counters with Alakada: Bad and Boujiee. And completing the […]
7 hours ago
From Lagos to Cairo, women of all ages and walks of life can relate to the inescapable experience of unwanted male attention. The image that usually comes to mind when we think of harassment is that of the unfamiliar, unpolished man on the street. But even charismatic men are equal transgressors. These men weaponize a […]
7 days ago
The S16 festival is giving Nigerian arthouse filmmakers a platform to showcase their deeply reflective works that challenge the norm.
1 week ago
Sport-themed films appeal to people for their relatable issues. Often, they focus on the transition of an underdog from obscurity to prominence. The protagonist’s upward trajectory is incontestable regardless of how much antagonism crosses his path. As such, when the narrative peters out, this protagonist becomes a hero, honored and celebrated for the ability to […]
1 week ago
The S16 Film Festival, an annual event dedicated to showcasing independent cinema in Nigeria, is set to return for its fourth edition from 10 to 13 December 2024 at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos. Known for spotlighting bold storytelling and diverse voices, this year’s festival offers an exciting showcase of homegrown talent alongside internationally acclaimed films, […]
3 weeks ago
The recent event for 77: The FESTAC Conspiracy was a remarkable celebration of history, cinema, and creativity. Held at IMAX Lekki, the event drew an eager crowd that included industry professionals, cast members, dignitaries, and the press, all excited to witness the magic of Nigerian cinema unfolding on the big screen. As the sequel to […]
3 weeks ago
Blessing Uzzi doesn’t credit her latest film, Freedom Way, with any grand formula for success. Despite securing premieres at two international film festivals and one of Africa’s largest, she remains refreshingly chill. In her words, “That wasn’t the plan.” As a filmmaker who seamlessly switches between writing, directing, and producing, based on her creative instincts, […]
3 weeks ago
African cinema gets another feather in its cap as Circuits, an international subscription-based video-on-demand streaming platform launches this December with the best of content for the holiday season. Tailored to meet Afrocentric film needs while catering to a global audience, the platform will join the list of African-owned streamers such as Showmax, IrokoTV and IbakaTV […]
4 weeks ago
Awareness on mental health issues is low in a society like Nigeria where such issues are often trivialized and perceived as less consequential than physical health problems. In spite of the abysmal knowledge, an estimated 20% of the population is believed to be experiencing one form of mental illness or the other. Unfortunately, these individuals […]
4 weeks ago
Every year, during Christmas, Nollywood engages her audience with cinema projects to match the aura and celebration of the season. In the past, we have had both Christmas-themed productions such as Kunle Afolayan’s A Naija Christmas (2021) and Christmas In Miami (2021) non-Christmas-themed productions such as Funke Akindele’s Battle On Buka Street (2022) and A […]
1 month ago
Before Netflix transformed Nollywood’s financial landscape in 2020, Nigerian filmmakers navigated a labyrinth of revenue streams that shaped the industry we know today. Understanding this history—and the revolutionary impact of streaming—becomes crucial as Netflix contemplates a shift in its compensation model. The story of how filmmakers generated revenue begins in the post-colonial era, decades before […]
1 month ago
From behind-the-scenes dreamer to Nollywood breakout star, Mike Afolarin has emerged as one of the industry’s most compelling new talents. After capturing audiences in the critically acclaimed Far From Home (2022), he has continued to demonstrate his versatility in 2024 releases like House of Ga’a and, most recently, in his role in Freedom Way, which screened at […]
1 month ago
