The NollywoodWeek Film Festival was established in 2013 in Paris, France, by curators Nadira Shakur and Serge Noukoue, who noticed a glaring gap: despite Paris being a global hub for cinema, there was no festival that celebrated Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry. Recognising the need to spotlight stories that resonated with the diverse Black communities in France and across Europe, they launched a festival that not only honoured Nigerian cinema but also built a bridge between Francophone and Anglophone Africa.
More than a decade later, NollywoodWeek continues to champion films that capture the vibrant spirit of Nollywood and connect African filmmakers to global audiences.
This year’s edition runs from May 7th to May 11th, 2025, at Cinéma l’Arlequin in Paris, featuring over 30 films—including six world premieres—from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Cameroon, the United States, and beyond. It promises an exciting and diverse selection of stories, spanning genres from drama and romance to magical realism and historical retellings.
The festival will open with The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, an energetic tale about a young mother caught in the crosshairs of corrupt blood money in Lagos. It will close with ‘OLÙMÒTÀN – Stories We Are Not Supposed to Tell’, a sweeping 170-minute drama starring Nollywood icon Sola Sobowale.
Other highly anticipated titles include ‘After 30’, a continuation of the beloved series ‘Before 30’; ‘The Fire and The Moth’, the latest feature from acclaimed director Taiwo Egunjobi; and ‘The Night of June 7th’, a film produced by media mogul Linda Ikeji.
Feature Films
After 30 (Nigeria)
Director: Omorinsojo Spaine
In this sequel to ‘Before 30’, the drama follows four Nigerian women in their 30s, each focused on advancing their careers and discovering their true selves. As they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and societal expectations, they challenge the belief that a woman’s worth is tied to her relationship status. This compelling story highlights their journey to live life on their own terms. ‘After 30’ will have its world premiere at NollywoodWeek 2025, starring Damilola Adegbite, Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa, and Anee Icha.
The Night of June 7th (Nigeria)
Director: Toka McBaror
On June 7, 2005, what began as a celebration turned tragic for six friends known as the Apo Six. Their encounter with a Deputy Commissioner of Police escalated into a horrific event. revealing a story marked by injustice, the abuse of power, and devastating loss. This film, based on true events, features Gideon Okeke and Ali Nuhu. ‘The Night of June 7th’ will have its world premiere at the festival.
Sierra’s Gold (South Africa)
Director: Adze Ugah
In Johannesburg, a quirky and brave artist named Sierra discovers she’s pregnant. Her boyfriend, Tiro, who also manages her career, persuades her to try a homemade remedy to terminate the pregnancy.
Out in the Darkness (Nigeria)
Director: Sarah Kwaji
The film follows Bolu, a young mother grappling with postpartum depression. As terrifying and bizarre visions invade her everyday life, she begins to lose touch with reality. Despite her pain, the doctors dismiss her, and the silence surrounding mental health leaves her to suffer in isolation. As Bolu fights to survive, both she and her baby face grave danger. ‘Out in the Darkness’ will have its world premiere at the festival.
Trade By Bata (Nigeria)
Director: Biodun Stephen
A Nigerian-American woman journeys to her grandmother’s village, hoping to secure her late father’s inheritance. However, her plans take an unexpected turn as she is forced to adapt to the village’s unfamiliar ways.
Blackout (Nigeria)
Director: Okechukwu Oku
A woman awakens one morning in a life that feels entirely foreign to her. She now has a husband and two children, but she has no memory of them. Desperate to reclaim the life she once knew, she soon uncovers a chilling truth: the man she thought was her husband has cast a spell five years ago to trap her in this altered reality—and he will stop at nothing to prevent her from leaving. The film stars Blossom ChukwuJekwu, Gideon Okeke, Padita Agu, Nelson Iwu, and Mike Uchegbu.
The Fire and The Moth (Nigeria)
Director: Taiwo Egunjobi
When a priceless bronze statue is stolen, a town in western Nigeria is plunged into chaos. Starring Tayo Faniran, Ini Dima-Okojie, and Jimmy Jean-Louis.
The Weekend (Nigeria)
Director: Daniel Oriahi
Nikiya (Uzoamaka Power), an orphan craving a sense of belonging, embarks on a journey to meet her fiancé’s distant and estranged relatives. However, what begins as a hopeful quest turns into a perilous revelation when she uncovers a dangerous secret that could change everything. The cast includes Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, James Gardiner, and Damilola Ogunsi.
For Amina (Nigeria)
Director: Lyndsey F. Efejuku
In a world filled with injustice, a mother rises to defend her daughter’s right to education. Her unwavering resolve sparks a movement, showing that significant change can begin with one determined individual.
Soft Love (Nigeria, South Africa)
Director: Holmes Okechukwu Awa
After being abandoned on her wedding day, a renowned South African love expert (Cindy Mahlangu as Thando) swears off love. However, fate intervenes when she meets a Nigerian photographer (Efa Iwara), also nursing a broken heart. Starring Rosemary Zimu, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Genoveva Umeh, and Carol King.
OLÙMÒTÀN: Stories We Are Not Supposed to Tell (Nigeria)
Director: Adekunle “Nodash” Adejuyigbe
Sola Sobowale stars as a mysterious woman who is put on trial for a crime that remains shrouded in mystery. Rather than directly defend herself, she takes the judges and audience on a profound and strange journey. Through four captivating stories, she forces everyone to reconsider the power and impact of storytelling.
The Dog (Kenya, Sweden)
Director: Baker Karim
MZ, a small-time drug dealer in Mombasa, Kenya, is tasked with driving Kadzo, a young escort, to her assignments. Though instructed not to become involved with her, MZ falls in love and becomes determined to rescue her from the dangerous world she’s trapped in, leading him down a dark and troubled path.
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (Nigeria)
Directors: AS Elijah, Akinmuyiwa Bisola, Edukpo Tina, James Taylor, Matthew Cerf, Okechukwu Samuel, Ogungbamila Temitope
A young mother from Lagos’s slums becomes a symbol of hope after stumbling upon a large sum of money meant to transform her community into a luxury condominium complex. The film stars Temi-Ami Williams, Debo Adebayo (Mr Macaroni), Jane Oladehinde, and Oladehinde Timothy.
Short Films
Ekun Iyawo: A Tale of a Runaway Bride (Nigeria)
Director: Mo Padeola
At her Ekún Ìyàwó ceremony, a bride’s tears determine the fate of a malevolent man, the Balogun, who holds great power. The cast includes Ugoh Amanda, Moshood Fattah, Ropo Ewenla, Soledayo Adegbite, Chukwu Martin, and Adejoke Muyiwa.
The Screen Test (Nigeria)
Director: Edith Nwekenta
David receives a life-changing phone call—the role of a lifetime. However, as he prepares for his screen test, he begins to notice unsettling behaviour from the director, and soon realises that there may be darker intentions at play. Starring Tope Tedela and Philip Asaya.
Time Machine (France)
Director: Clémence Marcadier
A reggae dancehall music producer meets with a top manager to discuss plans for launching his protégé’s career. Featuring performances by Xavier Edmond-Mariette, Damien Montpre, David, and Allan Ferly.
Ye! The Ascension of the Geles (United States)
Director: John Adekoje
When child soldiers abduct her husband and daughter, Stellar (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) joins Ajumose, a covert group of Pan-African women, to seek justice.
Noces D’eau (Benin)
Director: Aurielle Eli Jioya
Kémi, a French man with Beninese ancestry, discovers an old photograph of his family’s ancestral home while going through his late grandfather’s belongings. Intrigued by his heritage, he rents the house for a weekend getaway with friends.
1992 (Kenya)
Director: Luka Liak
Set in Nairobi during the 1990s, this short explores the evolving dynamics of dating amidst the growing stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. It takes us behind the scenes as a modern couple prepares for a night out in town. Featuring Nyakundi Isaboke, Shirleen Wangari, Gilbert Lukalia, Charles Kiarie, Susan Joanitah Njuguna, Phanuel Okuma Otieno, Enock Kalungi.
Ayo (Cameroon)
Directors: Fellon Gomez & Yolande Eckel
A young African woman who has spent her life assisting her mother with childbirth in their village faces a stark contrast in her own home, where the wait for her first child seems endless. Starring Manoella Nguetse, Denis Etouka, and Marthe Odile Ndom.
Cut Me if You Can (United States)
Directors: Nicolas Polixene & Sylvain Loubet
Trapped in the confines of a clichéd horror B-movie, a hypersexualized black female character decides to take control of her fate and fight back. Featuring Djaka Souaré, Anthony Lalor, Marshall Fox, and Diane Foster.
Obodo Oyibo (United States)
Director: Joyful Adenike
Having immigrated to the United States in search of a better life, Tokunbo and Ose find their relationship tested when Ose becomes eight months pregnant. The couple grapples with cultural challenges as their home teeters on the edge of crisis.
The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi (United States)
Director: Abbesi Akhamie
A brilliant scholar plots a clever revenge after discovering that her fiancé is secretly engaged to another woman.
Nollykids
Daddy’s Girl (Nigeria)
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
A young girl grapples with the bittersweet emotions of nostalgia and longing as she faces the absence of her father.
Hadu (Nigeria)
Director: Damilola Solesi
A spirited young girl sets out on a culinary adventure to recreate her grandmother’s special recipe. But things go awry in the kitchen, leading to an unexpected but heartwarming journey.
The Mystery of Waza (Cameroon)
Director: Claye Edou
In Waza National Park, four curious students embark on an investigation into a series of mysterious disappearances, ultimately stumbling upon an archaeological mystery of monumental proportions.
