FilmOne Entertainment’s 2025 Exhibitor Showcase, themed Lights, Legacy and Leaps, was forward motion for Nollywood’s cinema. Taking the stage, Filmhouse Group CEO Kene Okwuosa announced that Nigerian cinemas have fully moved beyond recovery and entered a growth phase. “People are coming back to the cinemas. Covid is behind us,” he said, adding that Filmhouse Group is projecting three million cinema admissions by the end of the year.
From intimate dramas to sweeping epics and fresh comedies, FilmOne unveiled a slate of 26 new titles scheduled through 2026, each one pointing to a busier, more ambitious era for the Nigerian box office.
2025 Slate
‘The Herd’ (October 17, 2025)
Actor and producer Daniel Etim-Effiong makes his directorial debut with The Herd, a thought-provoking drama that follows Gosi, a man privately battling his wife’s recurring cancer scare. As he joins friends for what should be a joyous wedding celebration, life takes an unexpected and devastating turn. With a cast including Genoveva Umeh, Kunle Remi, Mercy Aigbe, and Patrick Doyle, The Herd explores grief, friendship, and the weight of personal secrets.
3 Cold Dishes (November 7, 2025)
Directed by Asurf Oluseyi, 3 Cold Dishes unites three women from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin as they reunite two decades after surviving human trafficking to exact revenge on the men who ruined their lives. Starring Wale Ojo, Osas Ighodaro, Ruby Akubueze, and Femi Jacobs, the film is a tense, emotionally charged story about survival and vengeance across borders.
‘Grandpa Must Obey’ (November 21, 2025)
From director Chibuzor Afurobi, this heartwarming drama follows a grandfather who takes on babysitting duties that quickly spiral into chaos. Starring Yvonne Jegede and Kanayo O. Kanayo, ‘Grandpa Knows Best’ finds humour and tenderness in generational differences, rediscovering laughter, love, and the meaning of family.
‘Warlord Olori Ogun’ (November 28, 2025)
Directed by and starring Odunlade Adekola, ‘Warlord Olori Ogun’ is a sweeping epic set in a land ruled by a tyrant bound to a bloodthirsty spirit. As slavery and fear grip the people, a challenger rises to fight for freedom and destiny. The film features Toyin Abraham, Eniola Ajao, and Muyiwa Ademola, blending mythology, rebellion, and spectacle in true Nollywood fashion.
‘This Is Not a Nollywood Movie’ (December 5, 2025)
A meta-comedy directed by Wale Ojo and produced by Boma Akpore, this film follows Okechukwu Nwadibe, a washed-up director from Nnewi who dreams of winning an Oscar and takes it as a sign to stage a comeback in Lagos. What follows is a spiral of poor decisions, gangster loans, and absurd self-belief. With appearances by Broda Shaggi, Bimbo Akintola, Hanks Anuku, and Chidi Mokeme, the film pokes fun at ambition and chaos in equal measure.
‘Behind The Scenes’ (December 12, 2025)
Directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, ‘Behind The Scenes’ tells the story of Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, a beloved real estate mogul whose generosity becomes her undoing. Surrounded by those who take her kindness for granted, she must rediscover her own worth. The ensemble cast includes Iyabo Ojo, Tobi Bakre, Kamo, Destiny Etiko, Ini Dima-Okojie, and Adebowale Adedayo.
‘Oversabi Aunty’ (December 19, 2025)
Toyin Abraham directs and stars in this witty dramedy about Toun, a self-righteous church usher whose obsession with correcting others turns her family life into chaos. After a disastrous wedding introduction, she must confront the consequences of her own “holier-than-thou” ways. With Mike Ezuruonye and Jemima Osunde joining the cast, Oversabi Aunty offers humour and heart in equal measure.
‘Colours of Fire’ (December 24, 2025)
Closing out the year is Niyi Akinmolayan’s ‘Colours of Fire’, a sweeping Christmas release that merges mythology, love, and sacrifice. When a warrior sets out to hunt a beast unleashed by rival clans, he uncovers a forbidden love that could either unite or doom their worlds. Starring Osas Ighodaro, Uzor Arukwe, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, and Gabriel Afolayan, the film is expected to be one of the season’s biggest hits.
2026 Slate
‘Everything Is New Again’ (January 30, 2026)
From Inkblot Productions and FilmOne Studios, this age-gap romantic drama opens the year’s slate with a reflection on love, timing, and rediscovery. The film continues the long-standing collaboration between Inkblot and Filmhouse Group, who previously launched KAVA together.
‘Love & New Notes’ (February 13, 2026)
Director Kayode Kasum teams up again with Timini Egbuson after the success of ‘Reel Love’ for a Valentine’s release that explores the poetry of modern romance. Set against the backdrop of Lagos’ fast life, the film promises laughter, heartbreak, and an unmistakable romantic energy.
‘Mothers of Chibok’ (February 27, 2026)
Directed by Kachi Benson, this deeply emotional documentary revisits the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State. The film amplifies the voices of the mothers who never stopped searching, reminding audiences of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
‘A Fisherwoman’s Dream’ (March 6, 2026)
Laju Iren directs this poignant story about hope, faith, and destiny, featuring Chude Jideonwo in his acting debut. The film weaves spirituality and survival through the eyes of a woman who dares to dream beyond her limitations.
‘Evi’ (March 27, 2026)
A rare Nollywood musical produced by Judith Audu and directed by Uyoyou Adia, Evi promises to blend rhythm, story, and emotion in a way the industry rarely attempts. With its colourful storytelling and original music, it joins a short list of Nollywood musicals like ‘Lara and the Beat’ and ‘A Song from the Dark’.
‘The Other Side of the Bridge’ (April 17, 2026)
Produced by Demi Banwo in collaboration with Lord Tanner Studios, this film tells the story of two boxers from opposite sides of Lagos, one from the Island, the other from the Mainland. Inspired by Creed II, the production reportedly trained its leads for nearly a year, bringing raw authenticity to its fight scenes.
‘A Star in Dark’ (April 24, 2026)
Details remain tightly held, but ‘A Star in Dark’ is expected to explore the price of fame and the shadows that follow success. With FilmOne backing the project, expectations are high for another emotionally charged drama.
‘Iya Mi’ (May 29, 2026)
Closing the early 2026 lineup, ‘Iya Mi’ is set to be a heartfelt drama honouring motherhood, sacrifice, and generational love. Though details are still unfolding, it’s one of the slate’s most anticipated local stories.
Undated Projects
‘Prophetess 2’
Toyin Abraham and Anthill Studios are reuniting for the sequel to the hit comedy ‘Prophetess’. The continuation promises even wilder prophecies, miracles, and mischief, with Toyin reprising her fan-favourite role.
‘Ilu’
Femi Adebayo returns with ‘Ilu’, another powerful Yoruba epic expected to showcase his mastery of traditional storytelling, heroism, and moral conflict.
‘Lagos Big Boy’
From Inkblot Studios, ‘Lagos Big Boy’ is a high-energy comedy exploring friendship, hustle, and the extremes of Lagos ambition. Expect vibrant characters and sharp social commentary.
‘The Smart Money Woman’
Arese Ugwu’s beloved financial empowerment story makes its cinematic debut after a successful book, TV series, and spinoff. The feature will follow Lara, played by Toni Tones, as she navigates love, money, and self-worth in modern Lagos.
FilmOne’s 2025–2026 slate shows an industry unafraid to take risks and eager to refine its voice. From documentaries and musicals to daring dramas and mythic epics, the lineup captures Nollywood’s growing range and confidence. With Kene Okwuosa’s optimism, new voices behind the camera, and familiar stars evolving into producers, Nollywood’s future seems bright.
