Adeniyi Joseph is Capturing Unsettling Stories With ‘Aja’ and ‘Landline’
Adeniyi Joseph recently closed the chapter on a psychological thriller set in Badagry and already has a time-loop thriller under his belt. His choice of stories makes one wonder what pulls him into these cerebral worlds. For the cinematographer and storyteller behind ‘Aja’ and ‘Landline’, the draw seems to be both personal and cinematic. Fresh […]
Adeoluwa Owu on ‘Omo Boy’ and a Bukky Wright Film in 2025 Plans
In a conversation with director Adeoluwa Owu, it quickly became clear that his focus in 2025 goes beyond just his upcoming projects. He is building a legacy in Nollywood, one defined by collaboration and uncompromising quality. After making a cultural splash with hits like The Griot, Adire, A Tribe Called Judah, Queen Lateefah, and the […]
Adeoluwa Owu to Direct as ‘The Griot 2’ Goes Into Development at Degzy Films
Director Adeoluwa Owu has confirmed that a sequel to ‘The Griot’, one of Netflix’s breakout Nigerian titles, is officially in development — and this time, he says the story will lean even deeper into its Nigerian roots. “We’re not even worried about which platform will take it,” Owu told Nollywire in an interview. “I know […]
In Biodun Stephen’s ‘Aso Ebi Diaries’ Fashion is Style and Community
In ‘Aso Ebi Diaries’, directed by Biodun Stephen and written by Janet Aiyebusi, Abimbola Daramola, and Lady Laide Daramola, Elizabeth Gomez (Nancy Isime), a Lagos socialite, has her world turned upside down when her family’s fortune is lost to a scandal. Suddenly cut off from the lifestyle she once ruled, Elizabeth turns to her closest […]
Nollywood Stars Give Tope Olowoniyan a Raw Look at the Emotional Cost of Their Success
Nollywood has never lacked interviews. Actors and filmmakers have long made the rounds on TV, radio, and digital platforms, opening up about their lives and careers. But what’s emerging now is something more intentional: a new wave of shows designed specifically around Nollywood—its stars, its seasons, and its need to tell its own stories on […]
4 Nollywood Stereotypes We Are Tired Of
Most movie industries are familiar with stereotypes – those cartoonish characters that skelter around in movies. Nollywood cinephiles know a mother-in-law means double trouble, Hollywood fans are acquainted with the hot but dumb jock, as Bollywood is used to seeing the traditional obedient Sanskari girl on screen. While it is true that these characters walk […]
Burna Boy Screens Asurf Oluseyi’s ‘3 Cold Dishes’ Teaser at Stade De France Concert
In a career-defining moment, Burna Boy delivered a landmark performance to a sold-out crowd of 80,698 at the iconic Stade De France in Paris—making him the first African artist to headline the 100,000-capacity venue. But it wasn’t just the music that left fans stunned. At the closing of the show, the superstar turned the spotlight […]
Mo Abudu Named Among TIME100 Most Influential People of 2025
TIME Magazine has named Mo Abudu one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2025 — a recognition that feels more like a confirmation than a surprise. In Nollywood and across Africa’s creative industries, Abudu’s name is already synonymous with trailblazing. Whether behind the scenes or on the global stage, she’s been […]
Bohang Moeko: How Film Can Heal Nigeria–South Africa Tensions
In a time when tensions between Nigeria and South Africa have too often made headlines—from xenophobic attacks to retaliatory actions—actor and producer Bohang Moeko believes African cinema can offer a path to healing. His call for cross-continental collaboration comes against the backdrop of years of friction. In 2019, waves of xenophobic violence erupted in South […]
MBO Capital Commits ₦4.6 Billion to Accelerate Nollywood’s Development
When Folajimi Alli-Balogun, a representative of financial advisory firm MBO Capital, mentioned that the company had invested ₦2.3 billion in Nigerian film last year, the figure alone was notable. But the real headline came next: they intend to double that this year. That’s ₦4.6 billion in committed financing—a scale of investment that would be historic […]
‘My Mother is a Witch’ Reunites Efe Irele and Niyi Akinmolayan
Director Niyi Akinmolayan and actor Efe Irele are teaming up once again for ‘My Mother is a Witch’, a new drama set to debut in cinemas on May 23, 2025. The upcoming feature marks the latest chapter in their growing body of work together, following titles such as ‘The House of Secrets’, ‘Casa De Novia’, […]
Niyi Akinmolayan’s ‘Nollywood Filmmaker’ Website to Tackle Crew and Funding Gaps
Niyi Akinmolayan, filmmaker and Anthill Studios founder, is asking a deeper question in an industry where everyone has a story and even more have the urge to shoot one. The question is simple: can you make a successful film? That is the ethos behind the new Nollywood Filmmaker, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect investors, […]
Nigeria Makes its First Cannes Selection with Akinola Davies Jr’s ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Starring Sope Dirisu, Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Winifred Efon
Akinola Davies Jr’s debut feature, ‘My Father’s Shadow’, has earned a historic spot at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival—becoming the first Nigerian film ever selected to screen at the prestigious event. The film will premiere in Un Certain Regard, a section of the official Cannes selection known for spotlighting bold, original voices and distinct cinematic […]
How Bartholomew Emordi Went from Mixing Tracks to Shaping Cinematic Sound
Unlike many filmmakers, film was not Bartholomew Emordi’s first love; it was sound and it drew him to music. “I have always been amazed by how sounds come together,” the sound engineer tells me. This sound led him to music production software during his time in university and then came his experimenting years. Emordi initially […]
How OAU Starlet Oluwanifesimi Oyesiji Gets into Act
Oluwanifesimi Oyesiji is a 300-level Dramatic Arts student at OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University) who understands that the concept of acting is widely perceived as just a fragment of what it actually is. TV drama and stage play lovers rarely question the technicality of the roles their favourite movie stars play. Getting into character is a […]
6 Unforgettable Characters from Biodun Stephen’s Cinematic Universe
Biodun Stephen doesn’t just craft stories—she sculpts lives. Her films are deeply human, often messy, and almost always centred around characters who feel heartbreakingly real. They’re women (and the occasional reformed thief) trying to love, survive, speak, and be seen. And whether it’s a housekeeper caught in emotional crossfire or a silent makeup artist learning […]
10 Thrilling Movies Showing in April 2025
April is shaping up to be a fantastic month for movie lovers, with a diverse lineup of films hitting cinemas and streaming platforms. From supernatural thrillers to heartfelt dramas and romantic sagas, here’s a look at the most anticipated Nollywood films coming out this month. ‘Recall’ (April 4, Cinemas) Directed by Kunle Afolayan, ‘Recall’ is […]
Esse Akwawa and Webek Studios Are Rewriting the African Film Narrative
Esse Akwawa is a filmmaker on the prowl. As the creative force behind Webek Studios, she is committed to reshaping the narrative of African storytelling, moving beyond clichés to present a more authentic and diverse perspective. Her work not only showcases the continent’s rich culture but also challenges industry norms, paving the way for a […]
Edith Nwekenta and Webek Studios Are Redefining Nollywood for a Global Audience
Edith Nwekenta exudes a quiet confidence that is immediately noticeable. Her journey through the film and television industries across the UK, Ghana, Nigeria, and the US has given her a unique perspective on creativity, storytelling, and the urgent need for collaboration. Now at the helm of Webek Studios, she envisions a future where Nigerian stories […]
Webek Studios’ Bizzle Osikoya is Merging Afrobeats and Nollywood for Global Dominance
Bizzle Osikoya, a music executive and head of partnerships at Webek Studios, is on a mission to bridge the gap between Nollywood and Afrobeats, two of Nigeria’s most significant cultural exports. For years, Nollywood and Afrobeats have existed as two of Nigeria’s most significant cultural exports, but while the music industry has made massive international […]
How Martini Akande Ditched His Acting Dreams For A Career in Film Editing
Martini Akande had lofty dreams of becoming an actor before editing poached him and made him its own. After countless auditions with no callbacks, he decided “the fastest way to get a film made is to get behind the camera,” and he did just that. Akande banded his friends and together they shot short films. […]
AMVCA 2025 Nominations: ‘Lisabi: The Uprising’, ‘Seven Doors’, and ‘House of Ga’a’ Lead the Nominations
The AMVCA 2025 nominations are here, and as always, the list offers a mix of expected names and surprise contenders. This year’s lineup underscores the growing dominance of historical epics with films like ‘Lisabi: The Uprising,’ ‘Seven Doors,’ and ‘House of Ga’a’ leading the charge. It’s also a strong year for female-led narratives, with performances […]
5 Nollyphiles Share The Nigerian Actresses Who Captivate Them
Nollywood has no shortage of talented actresses, but what makes a performer stand out in the hearts of movie lovers? Is it their ability to embody a character so seamlessly that they disappear into the role? Or is it the emotional connection they create with the audience? To find out, we spoke to five Nollywood […]
5 Petrifying Nigerian Movies Horror Fans Will Enjoy
If you’re a horror fan, you know there’s nothing better than a movie that sends shivers down your spine. And who says you have to wait until Halloween to enjoy a good scare? Nollywood has delivered some truly terrifying films, blending supernatural folklore, eerie suspense, and psychological thrills in ways that will keep you on […]
Barnabas Emordi’s Voyage in Nollywood
“Hustle o” Barnabas Emordi replies jokingly to my question, which asks what drew him to cinematography. Popularly known as Barny, Emordi is among the renowed cinematographers in Nollywood. In the span of his career, he has served as the DOP for some of the biggest blockbusters, including ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, ‘Lisabi’, and ‘Superstar’, amongst […]
Nollywire Launches Off Camera: A Look at the Lives of Creatives Behind the Scenes
When we think about movies, most times our minds never graze the people off camera—the team behind the scenes. We are mostly concerned with the actors and directors because they are the ones we see. However, there are people off camera who make the actors shine, a formidable crew that brings the director’s vision to […]
‘Children of Blood and Bone’: Pamilerin Ayodeji, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shamz Garuba and Ayra Starr Round Out the Cast
The highly anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ has added more Nigerian stars to its already impressive ensemble. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film is set for release in IMAX on January 15, 2027, bringing the magical world of Orïsha to life. Joining the cast of ‘Children of Blood and […]
5 Book Adaptations NollyPhiles Want to See on the Big Screen
With the recent adaptation of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’, it has become apparent the need for more book adaptations in Nollywood. Literature has always been a rich source of inspiration for cinema and Nigerian literature hosts a wealth of stories waiting for their big screen moments. In the past, Nollywood has adapted books like […]
Is The Casting Place Revolutionising or Ruining Casting in Nollywood?
“You want to take away my livelihood” was the reaction of Tope Alake’s industry friend when he told them about The Casting Place. Since building this audition aiding tool in 2017, he has had to deal with these allegations from casting directors to producers. “We are not taking their jobs; we are just trying to […]
Omoni Oboli on Championing Women-Centred Stories
Omoni Oboli exists at the intersection of film and women. Whether she is breaking misogynistic myths in ‘Okafor’s Law’ or reflecting the harsh realities of Nigerian women in ‘Wives on Strike,’ one thing is clear: women own a piece of her heart. With a career that spans decades,Oboli has had to work her way up […]