When you love something or someone, you naturally spend more time with them or doing it. However, if you happen to love films, how much time could you possibly spend every week doing what you love and living life through the screen?
For these five Nigerian cinephiles (or Nollyphiles, for short), their passion is movies. We like to call them OG cinephiles because their love for cinema drives them to watch at least ten films every week. They share how they manage it and why it matters to them.
Nneka, Lawyer
Nneka is a lawyer based in Lagos, working in the development sector, which often has her hopping on flights. Before she became a movie buff, her love for books made the transition to films seamless. Her brother, a lifelong cinephile, played a key role in cultivating her love for movies—it became their way of bonding.
Nneka is always prepared, with something downloaded across Netflix, YouTube, or Prime. “I watch them in between things,” she says, catching films at airport lounges, on flights, or even during salon visits. When she’s had a long workday, a movie offers her a much-needed break. “I use movies to destress,” she adds. Her job involves reading a lot of papers, and movies provide an escape into a world of colour, away from the black and white of her daily tasks.
Her favourite genres are romance and military action. True to her love for romance, she’s currently watching ‘A Letter of Love,’ a romcom featuring Detola Jones and Eso Dike.
She is a Nollyphile—an unapologetic lover of Nigerian films—through and through. So Nollywood is her go-to, but she’s equally captivated by Hollywood and K-dramas.
Anjola, Lawyer
Anjola, like Nneka, is also a lawyer, running a Lagos-based nonprofit supporting sickle cell warriors and women. For Anjola, movies are her comfort zone. A year ago, she was in a dark place, and the only time she felt at peace was when she was watching something. During that period, she binge-watched a lot of Nollywood, especially ‘Wura,’ a show she affectionately refers to as “her babe,” and she eagerly awaits the next season. She’s also excited about the Wumi Toriola-led ‘Queen Lateefah.’
Her binge-watching habit really took root in 2023. While being outdoors couldn’t ease her stress, a good movie always did. “Movies are my best and truest friends,” she says. There’s no set method to her ten-movie-a-week routine—some days are marathons, other days she’ll just watch one or two. Her viewing is spontaneous and driven by her mood.
She enjoys any genre with a solid storyline, though she gravitates towards drama, especially family dramas.
Lohi, Film Student
Lohi is a student at the London Film Academy, pursuing her MA in Filmmaking. “Film is my life,” she declares, proudly calling herself a cinephile. She never goes a day without watching a movie. While she enjoys films as a hobby, it’s also part of her craft—Lohi studies films religiously as an aspiring filmmaker.
Her idea of fun is visiting the cinema, and she’s been to the theatre over 30 times this year alone. Unlike Anjola, Lohi is more structured about her movie-watching habits. She keeps a weekly timetable, filling it with films recommended on Letterboxd or newly released titles. A director can also influence her choices. Her current watchlist includes ‘With Difficulty Comes Ease’ by Korede Azeez, ‘Kill Boro’ by Courage Obayuwana, and ‘Muri and Ko’ directed by Biodun Stephen.
Lohi watches films from across the globe—Brazil, Taiwan, Chad, Senegal, Lesotho, China, and more. While she has a soft spot for Nollywood, she’s learned to navigate subtitles with ease. “Movies open me up to different cultures,” she shares, with her favourite genres being drama, romcoms, documentaries, and animations.
Israel, Accountant
Israel is an accountant at a pharmacy in Benin, Edo State, and a dedicated movie enthusiast. For him, films are a way to bond with his family, as he’s become the family’s go-to for movie recommendations. He shares Lohi’s love for the cinema, and his happiest moments are when he watches movies with loved ones, followed by animated discussions afterward.
Israel watches at least one movie a day at the office, squeezing in an extra film on lighter workdays. He even watches while commuting or during meals—movies are his constant companion.
A comedy lover, Israel’s favourites include ‘The Razz Guy’ and ‘Battle on Buka Street,’ but he also enjoys sci-fi, action, and romance. He’s especially thrilled when a comedy mixes with these genres, like Love Notes, which always boosts his mood.
Ifeoluwa, Screenwriter
Ifeoluwa’s deep love for film led him to a career in filmmaking. His work often centres around characters who lead double lives, balancing artistic expression with desk jobs. One of his shorts, ‘The Canvas,’ won the New Voices Award in 2023.
For Ifeoluwa, film is a way of life. Watching ten movies a week might seem daunting to some, but for him, there are weeks when he watches even more. Films renew his faith in humanity.
He sets aside a few hours each day to catch a film, making sure to watch one in the morning, afternoon, and evening. While he occasionally misses his daily quota, he never goes without watching at least one movie.
Rather than genres, directors drive his choices. If he admires a director, he’ll watch the film regardless of its genre. His watchlist includes ‘Freedom Way,’ ‘All The Colours Of The World Are Between Black And White,’ and ‘Eyimofe,’ which he’s planning to watch for a second time.
For these five Nigerian cinephiles, watching ten movies a week is more than entertainment; it’s a lifestyle. Whether for work, passion, or relaxation, they’ve found a way to integrate films seamlessly into their lives.
