Some upcoming films and series that you should be excited about
By Joseph Jonathan
The first half of the year has already seen its fair share of releases from Nollywood, and indeed parts of Africa, but the real treat is yet to come. From gripping dramas to action-packed thrillers, and heartwarming stories to spine-tingling horrors, this summer promises to be a treat for cinephiles. While it is forever humid and sunny in the sub-Sahara, the summer season is upon us in the northern hemisphere, and what better way to beat the heat than by indulging in some exciting new films and series?!
Already, we’ve been treated to some amazing releases, with quite a number of them making waves in cinemas and streaming platforms. ỤNỌ: The F in Family and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti are currently showing in cinemas, while Momiwa, Kill Boro, Big Girl, Small World, Maia, Flaws, Crossroads, and Ch3mistry are on streaming; Prime Video, Showmax, and YouTube. Also, the second season of Beyond the Veil recently began streaming on Prime Video, and Deafening Silence has just hit cinemas in Nigeria.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Here are some upcoming films and series that you should be excited about:
Muri & Ko (Cinemas, June 12)
Muri & Ko is directed by Biodun Stephen and stars Kunle Remi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kiekie). It tells the story of Muri (Kunle Remi), a Lagos hustler, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he steals a car with a child inside, sparking a desperate search. With the police closing in, Muri faces a heart-wrenching choice: ensure the child’s safe return or face the consequences. The film, a collaboration between Inkblot Productions and Biodun Stephen, also features Femi Jacobs, Buchi Franklin, Charles Okocha, Gloria Anozie-Young, and Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga.
Higher Crime (Cinemas, June 14)
Directed by Uduak Patrick, this film follows Tife (Enwongoabasi Ibom), a blogger who exposes the truth about a woman’s sexual assault, sparking a legal battle with philanthropist Jeffrey (Femi Branch). The film also stars Folashade Abimbola as Ruby, another victim of abuse, and Bimbo Akintola as Jeffrey’s loyal but naive wife.
Offshoot (Cinemas, June 14)
Offshoot follows Modesire Mbakwe (Kehinde Bankole), the new director of the Nigerian Drugs Agency (NDA), who launches a crackdown on a drug cartel, only to uncover a shocking family secret. The film features an ensemble cast including Kelechi Udegbe, Ibrahim Suleiman, David Jones David, Gregory Ojefua, Bimbo Manuel, Tomiwa Sage, and Princess Nwogu. It is directed by T. Steve Ayeny and distributed by Cinemax.
Lakatabu (Cinemas, June 21)
This film tells the story of Lakatabu (Odunlade Adekola), a notorious armed robber with magical powers, who terrorises and murders until he faces threats from rivals. Directed by Adekola, the film features a strong cast line-up with names like Adunni Ade, Eniola Ajao, Aderinoye Babatunde, Bolanle Ninalowo, Samuel A. Perry (Broda Shaggi), Yomi Fash-Lanso, and Mr Latin.
Oloture: The Journey (Netflix, June 28)
As a sequel to the 2019 film, the series follows undercover journalist Oloture (Sharon Ooja) as she continues to expose a human trafficking syndicate, facing a battle for survival as she navigates West Africa and Europe without resources. Also directed by Kenneth Gyang, the series boasts a star-studded cast including Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Beverley Osu, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Stan Nze, Amarachukwu Ono, Bukola Oladipupo, Daniel Etim Effiong, and Patrick Doyle.
Savage Beauty S2 (Netflix, June 28)
The South African drama returns for a second season with the Bhengu family desperate to maintain their beauty empire, but their grip on power is slipping. As they face threats from within and outside, their dark secrets and lies threaten to destroy the family and business. The series is directed by Matshepo Maja, Harold Holscher, and Rea Rangaka.
Onyeegwu (Prime Video, July)
Onyeegwu is a comedy-drama film directed by Uche Jombo, written by Victor Alabi, and starring Zubby Michael as Alex, a footballer on a spiritual journey to reclaim his place. The film also features Kayode Ojuolape, Chioma Akpotha, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Nancy Isime, Lateef Adedimeji, Broda Shaggi, and Ini Edo. Having premiered at AFRIFF 2023, Jombo has teased a July release on her social media handles but with no specific date.
The Man Died (July)
The Man Died is a film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s memoir, directed by Awam Amkpa. It tells the story of Soyinka’s 22-month imprisonment during Nigeria’s Civil War. The film stars Wale Ojo as Soyinka, Sam Dede and others, premieres in July, coinciding with Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
With Difficulty Comes Ease (To be announced)
Following the success of It Blooms in June and Halima’s Choice in Netflix’s African Folktales Reimagined anthology series, Akorede Azeez makes a return with this film. With Difficulty Comes Ease follows Zainab (Uzoamaka Aniunoh), a young widow navigating her place in the world, as she experiences various forms of love. The film also stars Caleb Richards, Ummi Baba-Ahmed, and a special appearance by Azeez’s daughter.
House of Ga’a (TBA)
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters and starring Femi Branch, the film is inspired by the 18th-century historical figure, Bashorun Gaa, a powerful prime minister in the Old Oyo Empire, known for his feared and respected leadership, which eventually descended into tyranny.
This Is Lagos (TBA)
The Kenneth Gyang-directed film, which first premiered at AFRIFF 2023, follows Stevo (Gabriel Afolayan), a young man chasing superstardom in a city where everyone seemingly hides behind some kind of mask. This Is Lagos stars Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, and Enyinna Nwigwe. Developed by Gyang and Tom Rowlands-Rees, the film’s release date is yet to be announced after a postponed December 2023 release.
Finding Messiah (TBA)
Finding Messiah is a political musical epic drama set in the fictional Republic of Zambay, featuring a large-scale production with a fictional language. The cast includes Bucci Franklin, Pete Edochie, Shine Rosman, and other notable actors. Oscar Heman-Ackah serves as producer, director, and music composer. With the principal photography’s first stage concluded in December, release details are yet to be announced.
Skeleton Coast (TBA)
A collaboration between Nigeria’s Play Network Studios and Namibia’s Mondjila Studios, the film follows a group of Black African scientists on a quest to find the mythical Blunamite gem along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast where their pursuit uncovers a secret beyond imagination. Directed by Robert O. Peters, the film features a diverse cast, including Thapelo Mokoena, Ini-Dima Okojie, Tjuna Daringo, Mawuli Gavor, Damilola Adegbite, Cindy Mahlangu, and Hollywood veteran Eric Roberts.
Criminal ‘77: the Festac Conspiracy (TBA)
Directed by Izu Ojukwu, this film is a sequel to the 2016 historical thriller ’76, with Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic reprising their roles. Nouah, who is now an aggrieved serviceman, is invited to join a cause seeking to disrupt the political order in 1977’s FESTAC event. Ibinabo Fiberesima, Daniel K. Daniel, and Soibifaa Dokubo join the cast, with Seun Kuti playing his father, Fela Kuti.
To Kill a Monkey (TBA)
Directed by Kemi Atetiba, this crime thriller series stars a talented ensemble cast including William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Chidi Mokeme, and Stella Damasus. The series marks a creative departure for Atetiba, who promises something “really different” for her fans. Principal photography wrapped in October 2023, and the series is set to premiere on Netflix later this year as the first of three projects with the streaming platform.
Note: This is an ongoing curation, and we’ll be regularly updating this list with more exciting films and series to watch out for this summer. Also, keep an eye on our social media handles to get updates on release dates.