Nigeria

Toyin Abraham is a vulnerable seer in Niyi Akinmolayan’s detailed depiction of spirituality and sports betting.

The brief feature, by director John Adekoje, works memory, spirituality, and pain. “That’s indicative of the growth women have access to now,” said Egbuson-Akande, “to process our pain and become stronger, and transform, ascend.”

The Enugu-based hub, whose exhibitions, screenings, and lecture series have drawn 7,000 visitors, is, executive director Iheanyi Igboko says, “grooming a generation of young people who are not only grounded in their history and culture but proud of their Igbo identity.”

Awaiting Trial finds the emotional core of police brutality and the End SARS protests in Nigeria. It is “a deliberate telling of the consequences of the death and damage dealt on all of us,” said narrator and executive producer Chude Jideonwo.

“Love is a good point for telling stories because it brings out all the other emotions of pain, happiness, joy, euphoria, and sadness,” she said of the warmly received Ndani TV web series. “And it’s what our audience—a lot of them—want in their lives.”

Nigerian literature has the global acclaim that Nigerian cinema need only draw from. But will filmmakers look?

Collins Okoh, co-writer of the ₦636 million box office juggernaut starring Funke Akindele, tells us about his research of ghetto culture and the need for creative freedom for screenwriters. “I never thought that a gun would be referred to as ‘English’ until I started writing the movie,” he said.

Like in a Nigerian Thelma and Louise, two friends are on the run in this fast-paced series by Kenneth Gyang and Biyi Bandele.

Rita Dominic and newcomer Nonso Bassey deliver powerhouse performances in Mildred Okwo’s elegant and raw psychological thriller.

Kunle Afolayan’s beautifully shot adaptation of Sefi Atta’s novel explores humanity and morality, but even with popstar Niyola in lead, it doesn’t rise above its source material.