So far, this year, the Nigerian film industry has blessed us with a delicious diet of films and television shows across different genres and platforms—from domestic cinemas to subscription-based streaming outlets like Netflix, Prime Video and Showmax, and YouTube. Some of the productions we have seen in July are Bolanle Austen Peters’ period film House […]
5 months ago
So far, this year, the Nigerian film industry has blessed us with a delicious diet of films and television shows across different genres and platforms—from domestic cinemas to subscription-based streaming outlets like Netflix, Prime Video and Showmax, and YouTube. Some of the productions we have seen in July are Bolanle Austen Peters’ period film House of Ga’a, Awam Amkpa’s The Man Died, Uche Chukwu’s Wrong Number and Uche Jombo’s Onye Egwu.
As August sets in, lovers of Nollywood are in for yet another promisingly exhilarating cinematic ride. Here are some Nollywood films and shows to watch.
With Difficulty Comes Ease, August 1st
The narrative of the strong, independent Nigerian woman, which we have previously seen in shows like Prime Video’s Beyond The Veil series, will not be ending any time soon. It is, however, Korede Azeez’s time to strike a similar posture in her latest directorial project, With Difficulty Comes Ease. Exploring themes of friendship, strength and the conflicts against religious and cultural expectations, With Difficulty Comes Ease presents the compelling story of a strong and resilient female character, Zainab. Written by Korede Azee and produced by Sheriff Akinola Bakare, the cast includes Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Caleb Richards, Ummi Aisha Baba-Ahmed, Michelle Dede, Magaji Mijinyawa.
With Difficulty Comes Ease will be available on Prime Video.
The Betrayed, August 2nd
Inkblot co-founder Zulumoke Oyibi marks her directorial debut in the suspense thriller film, The Betrayed, scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release. The media executive has worked as a producer on projects like Up North, Quam’s Money and Palava.
The Betrayed stars Gabriel Afolayan and Uche Montana as a couple blessed with two children and a seemingly impeccable marital life. But this marital bliss is soon threatened when the husband is arrested after a night of passion with a university student who unfortunately loses her life. Accused of murder, the husband is faced with the difficult task of proving his innocence while keeping his family together.
The cast also includes Ibrahim Suleiman, Adunni Ade, Vine Olugu, Stephanie Zibili, Jemima Osunde, and Adernke Onuoha.
Tokunbo, August 23rd
Nollywood fans are in for another action crime drama as Ramsey Nouah calls the shots in Tokunbo, with Gideon Okeke playing the titular role of an ex-smuggler. Embroiled in the web of politics, crime, and time, Tokunbo must deliver a government official’s daughter to her captors and keep his family from harm’s way.
Written by Todimu Adegoke and Thecla Uzozie, the cast of the film includes Adunni Ade, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Darasimi Nandi, Norbert Young, Ivie Okujaye, Tosin Adeyemi, Stanley Chibunna, Chidi Mokeme, and Majid Michel.
The anticipated production is Ramsey Nouah’s third directorial foray, following his partnerships with Charles Okpaleke on the supernatural thriller Living in Bondage: Breaking Free and crime drama Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story.
Tokunbo will be available on Netflix.
Superstory: The Curse, August 8th
The long-standing television drama series from the stable of Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) Superstory, returns for a new season titled “The Curse”. The latest edition parades a cast of industry favorites such as Mr Macaroni, Hafiz Oyetoro, Gloria Young, Yetunde Barnabas, Sa’eed Muhammed (Funky Mallam), Dele Odule, Joke Muyiwa, Segun Arinze and Lalude, among others.
Premiering on August 8th, 2024, the drama series will be aired weekly across different Nigerian stations and Africa on NTA Network (Thursdays 8-9pm), STV Network (Thursdays 9-10pm), AIT Network (Thursdays 9-10pm), and wapTV via DStv 262, GOtv 129, StarTimes 116, FreeTV 751, Play 275, and AVOTV (Thursdays 8-9pm) . It will also be shown to a global audience via wapTVchannel on YouTube.
Something Like Gold
On September 29th, 2023, Sandra Okunzuwa made her first theatrical run with Something Like Gold, under her film company Greenwealth Production. The film made an impact in its first week at the Nigerian box office, grossing N18.75 million across 56 locations nationwide. Eleven months later, the film is set to debut on Netflix, with its release date yet to be announced.
Ace Nollywood director Kayode Kasum, responsible for projects like Afamefuna and Obara’m, handles the production set for Something Like Gold. The story explores betrayed trust and relationship issues through the plights of Tamara, a lady who is jilted on her wedding day and has to adjust to her new reality.
Written by Adaeze Ibechukwu and Toluwani Obayan Osibe, the film boasts a star-studded cast that includes Mercy Johson, Kunle Remi, Samuel Perry (Brodda Shaggi), Teniola Aladese, Segun Arinze, Bukky Ogunnote-Ogunade, Tope Olowoniyan, Waliu Fagbemi, Ebere Doris Okorie and Sandra Okunzuwa who is the producer.
The Weekend, August 30th
This genre-bending thriller tells the story of a woman who visits her fiance’s family where she discovers a sinister secret about them. It’s another directorial push from Daniel Oriahi, following his experiments with the psychological horror genre on productions like Misfit (2013) and Sylvia. (2018).
Produced by Uche Okocha and distributed by FimOne Entertainment, the film stars Bucci Franklin, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Brutus Richard, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, James Gardiner, Meg Otanwa, and Damilola Ogunsi.
The Weekend made the selection for the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, an international platform for independent filmmakers, which ran from June 5th – 16th, 2024. Now the film will be open to all Nigerian cinemas.
All of Us
On YouTube, filmmakers like Benneth Nwankwo and Sir Balo have tapped into the Young Adult genre, with series like Class of Secrets and High School Magical, respectively. Another anticipated Young Adult series, All Of Us, produced by Eniola Adeoluwa, adds to the growing list of YouTube-based Nollywood productions. Spotlighting themes of friendship, sexual assault and adolescence, the film delves into the dynamics of secondary school life.
Directed by Orire Nwani and Oluchi Nwofor, All Of Us boasts an impressive cast that includes Eniola Adeluwa, Priscilla Ojo, Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Chukwuka, Shaffy Bello, Yemi Solade, Kate Henshaw, Tomi Ojo, Jemima Osunde, Uzee Usman and Eronini Osinachi.
The premiere date is yet to be announced.
