Lilian Olubi Calls ‘Osamede’ a Reminder Africans Lost Nothing
When the idea for ‘Osamede’ came to Lilian Olubi, it wasn’t something she planned. “The idea came to me literally in a vision,” she says. “If I were to sit down in my ‘Lilian-ness’ to write a story, this isn’t the format I would have chosen. But it feels now, in retrospect, that God knew […]
Martell’s ‘Swift Diaries’ Offers a Rare Look into Timini Egbuson’s Journey of Reinvention
“I started off in sales and marketing for an e-commerce firm. I was supposed to play it safe. Stable job, good life. But I wanted more, so I quit my job and changed my story,” Timini Egbuson shares in the new Martell Swift Diaries series. Award-winning actor and filmmaker Timini Egbuson takes on a new […]
‘Colours of Fire’: Osas Ighodaro and Uzor Arukwe’s Fiery Chemistry Sets Teaser Ablaze
After captivating audiences with its first-look images earlier this year, Niyi Akinmolayan’s upcoming fantasy drama ‘Colours of Fire’ has now intensified excitement with the release of its official teaser. The film, which had already stirred buzz, drew even more attention after the teaser’s debut during the FilmOne Showcase. Backed by Anthill Studios and FilmOne Studios, […]
NicaPro: Omoni Oboli and Patricia Bebia Launch Groundbreaking Nigeria–Canada Film Partnership
At CBC Television’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, filmmakers Omoni Oboli and Patricia Bebia unveiled NicaPro, a groundbreaking cross-continental film venture set to connect the creative worlds of Nollywood and Canada’s screen industry. The launch also introduced the Future Reel Network, a not-for-profit platform focused on training, mentorship, and collaboration for women filmmakers across both […]
Niyi Akinmolayan’s ‘Colours of Fire’ Set for December Release as FilmOne Entertainment Secures Exclusive Rights
FilmOne Entertainment has acquired the exclusive distribution rights to ‘Colours of Fire’, the new Christmas feature from director Niyi Akinmolayan. Co-produced by FilmOne Studios and Anthill Studios, the film will premiere nationwide on December 24th, just in time for the holidays. Starring Osas Ighodaro, Uzor Arukwe, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, and Gabriel Afolayan, ‘Colours of […]
Wakanow Adds NairaBox to Its Expanding Entertainment and Lifestyle Ecosystem
Wakanow Group, one of Africa’s leading travel technology companies, has acquired NairaBox, a digital entertainment and lifestyle platform developed by JORG Technologies. The move signals Wakanow’s expansion beyond travel into events, food, and leisure, reflecting a broader strategy to build a connected lifestyle ecosystem. Founded in 2015 by Ugochukwu Jay Chikezie, Tokunbo Adetona, and Damilola […]
Olatunji Afolayan’s Guide to Art Direction
Before Olatunji Afolayan became one of Nollywood’s most respected art directors, he was just a boy in Ilorin, Kwara State. After primary school, he moved to Osun State to live with his uncle, who soon discovered he had a talent for art. Afolayan attended secondary school in Ijebu Jesha, where his artistic curiosity continued to […]
Winifred Iguwa’s ‘IDIA’ Screens in the UK Ahead of AFRIFF 2025 World Premiere
Winifred Iguwa’s short film ‘IDIA’ is making its first stop in the United Kingdom this October as part of York St John University’s Black History Month celebrations, before heading home to Lagos for its world premiere at the 2025 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Shot entirely in the UK, ‘IDIA’ is a 22-minute coming-of-age dance […]
‘To Kill a Monkey’: Would You Survive the Chaos?
If you could live inside any movie, where would you go? Some might choose the glossiness of ‘Christmas in Lagos’ or the swoon-worthy romance of ‘Isoken’. Others might want the drama of ‘The Wedding Party’ or the fantasy of ‘Anikulapo’. However, Kevin Ansi, popularly known as Kevans, a filmmaker, doesn’t want comfort or romance. He […]
‘Son of the Soil’ Moves Release to November 21 as Global Recognition Builds Ahead of AFRIFF
The highly anticipated action drama ‘Son of the Soil’ has officially shifted its cinema release date from October 31 to November 21, 2025. According to Nile Media Entertainment Group, the decision was informed by the movie’s official selection for the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), where it is expected to feature alongside other films in […]
Utica Film Fund: SEC Approves Utica Capital’s ₦20 Billion Film Fund
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Utica Film Fund, marking another milestone for Nollywood financing; a fully regulated venture capital fund that is structured, transparent, and backed by institutional investors would channel money directly into film production, distribution, and infrastructure. Developed by Utica Capital Limited, the ₦20 billion closed-ended fund will invest […]
Steve Gukas, Dimbo Atiya to Helm NTA’s ‘Cock Crow at Dawn’ Remake With 104-Episode Order
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has announced the remake of the classic television series ‘Cock Crow at Dawn’ after signing an exclusive co-production deal with Steve Gukas’ Natives Filmworks and Dimbo Atiya’s Innovative Television Kontent (ITK). Announced during the 9 PM Network News yesterday, the agreement, which was finalised on October 2, 2025, will see […]
Asurf Oluseyi’s ‘3 Cold Dishes’ Wins Best World Film at 2025 Harlem International Film Festival
Asurf Oluseyi’s ‘3 Cold Dishes’ continues its festival run as the director has confirmed to Nollywire that the film won the Best World Film Award at the 2025 Harlem International Film Festival. Held annually in New York, the Harlem International Film Festival celebrates distinctive global storytelling. Its Best World Film category recognises outstanding international features […]
iKON Africa Expands: Uganda and Nigeria Forge a Pan-African Film Alliance
African cinema is standing at the threshold of a new era, one marked by unity, collaboration, and shared ambition. Leading this charge is iKON Africa, an initiative that has steadily positioned itself as a catalyst for collaboration across the continent. On September 27, 2025, iKON Africa hosted its first-ever Uganda–Nigerian Soirée at EbonyLife Cinemas in […]
Action Xtreme’s ‘Son of the Soil’ Wins Three Awards at Black Star International Film Festival
Action Xtreme’s action-thriller ‘Son of the Soil’ emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 10th Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF), taking home Best Film, Best Director, and Best International Showcase. The film was also selected as the festival’s closing night feature, a slot reserved for standout titles. Set in Nigeria, Razaaq Adoti […]
The Backlot Launches to Empower Independent Filmmakers
Independent filmmaking in Africa has long thrived on creativity and resilience, but many projects fall short of reaching global audiences due to limited resources and infrastructure. A new entrant, The Backlot, is stepping in to bridge this gap, offering studio-level production support tailored for independent and African filmmakers. Founded by entertainment executive Nky Ofeimun, The […]
Black Star Film Festival Partners with Majestic Cinemas for Cross-Cultural Distribution Across West Africa
The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) and Majestic Cinemas, Ivory Coast’s largest cinema chain, are spearheading a groundbreaking push into Francophone West Africa, joined by Cinekita, a leading post-production and dubbing house. As Africa’s creative economy accelerates, English-speaking filmmakers are setting their sights on new audiences and fresh frontiers. The alliance is designed to […]
Why ‘The Wedding Party’ Made Me Proud to Be a Nollywood Fan
Among all the milestones in Nollywood’s evolution, one film gave media professional Japheth Josiah a rare surge of pride as a fan: ‘The Wedding Party’. In this edition of Nollyphile Life, our series spotlighting Nigerian cinephiles and their love for Nollywood, Josiah reflects on why the 2016 blockbuster resonated so deeply with him, what it […]
Filmhouse Group Partners with Africa Film Finance Forum 2025 to Accelerate Africa’s Creative Economy
Filmhouse Group took a leading role at the Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF), which returned to Lagos this September with an ambitious agenda: to chart a path toward building a $20 billion film industry that can serve the continent’s 1.4 billion people. Over three days, from 16 to 18 September, filmmakers, investors, distributors and cultural […]
“I’m Coming”: Adesua Etomi-Wellington Signals Her Comeback
Adesua Etomi-Wellington has always felt like more than just an actress to audiences. Fans have witnessed her career glide seamlessly from romantic comedies like ‘The Wedding Party’ to thrillers like ‘The Set Up’ and blockbusters like ‘Gangs of Lagos’. But in recent years, fans have noticed she has been quieter, appearing less frequently on screen. […]
Ivie Okujaye Calls ‘Osamede’ The “Happiest Call of My Career” After Nearly Giving Up
Ivie Okujaye was eating noodles and eggs when her phone rang. On the other end was James Omokwe, calling to offer her the lead role in his Benin epic, ‘Osamede’. “It was the happiest call of my career,” she says. “I didn’t even see it coming. I hadn’t heard a thing about the project, and […]
Watch: Burna Boy Introduces ‘3 Cold Dishes’ Trailer as Osas Ighodaro Hunts Wale Ojo Across Borders
The first official trailer for Asurf Oluseyi’s long-awaited thriller ‘3 Cold Dishes’ has arrived, opening with Burna Boy’s unmistakable voice. The Grammy-winning artist appears on screen after the popular voiceover from his 2020 track ‘Monsters You Made’ before declaring, “3 Cold Dishes. The official trailer drops in 3, 2, 1, pow.” From there, the trailer […]
Bolanle Austen-Peters to Deliver Keynote at NFVCB Digital Content Conference
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced that Bolanle Austen-Peters will deliver the keynote address at the 5th edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigerian Digital Content Regulatory Conference (PAO NDCRC). The event is scheduled for November 18–19, 2025, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. This year’s conference will be held under the […]
Why MBO Capital Backed ‘Osamede’: Folajimi Alli-Balogun on What The Firm Looks for in Films
With the upcoming release of ‘Osamede’, a new Benin epic adapted from a hit stage play, Folajimi Alli-Balogun, Assistant Vice President at MBO Capital, explains why the investment firm backed the project, what stands out about its cultural and cinematic value, and the key factors MBO considers before financing films. The epic arrives in cinemas […]
Ramsey Nouah Would Have Been Amazing in ‘Breath of Life’
Being a Nollyphile means more than just watching Nollywood films; it’s about living with them, obsessing over them, and constantly reimagining what else could be possible. For DJ Talia, that obsession has always circled back to Ramsey Nouah. From the VHS tapes of the 90s to the glossy streaming titles of today, he has followed […]
Omotayo Inakoju on the Strongest Defenses Every Filmmaker Needs
Every superhero has a mission. For Omotayo Inakoju, it is protecting Nollywood one contract, one copyright, and one filmmaker at a time. Where many filmmakers might overlook the fine print, she sees the future of their work secured through copyright, contracts, and clean chains of title. Her mission is simple but powerful: to make sure […]
‘Osamede’: Moses Babatope Confident Edo Heritage and Pride Will Drive Success
From Toronto, where he was attending the Toronto International Film Festival as an advisory board member for its 2026 content market, Moses Babatope was already looking past the red carpets. “We keep looking for avenues and ways to get our products out and globally monetised,” he told Nollywire. That ambition is at the heart of […]
The Different Frames of Eva Ibiam
Eva Ibiam is one of the emerging faces of Nollywood’s streaming era, an actor whose performances cut across YouTube dramas, Showmax series, Prime Video exclusives, and Netflix blockbusters. What sets her apart is her ease in slipping between romance, suspense, and social commentary, always leaving an impression, whether she is navigating heartbreak, exposing secrets, or […]
Niyi Akinmolayan Sets New Movie For Q4 2025
Niyi Akinmolayan will return to cinemas in the final quarter of 2025 with a new film. While no title, cast, or storyline has been revealed yet, the confirmation alone marks one of the year’s most anticipated announcements. The filmmaker has been at the center of several of Nollywood’s defining conversations this year. His family drama […]
Razaaq Adoti Goes Extreme in ‘Son of the Soil’ Exclusive Trailer
The wait is over. Nollywire has the exclusive first look at Son of the Soil’s official trailer, released three hours ahead of any other platform, offering audiences a thrilling glimpse into what is already being called Nollywood’s most ambitious action film yet. Directed by award-winning British-Chinese filmmaker Chee Keong Cheung (Redcon-1), ‘Son of the Soil’ […]