The rest of the year (we hope) will bring better experiences through cinema than the first half has done. We are six months into 2018 and Nollywood filmmakers have not made the best effort for 2018. The Nigerian audience has gone from obsessing over “Black Panther” to eagerly contributing to conversation on “Avengers: Infinity War”. While the exchange of culture is an important element for growth, it is also important for Nollywood to transport strong stories to other parts of the world.
“The Royal Hibiscus Hotel,” “New Money,” “The Eve,” were some of the films that were heavily promoted and yet, did not give the same level of experience as their promotional effect did.
While a number of big projects have been in the works since 2017 and many fans have looked forward to these features, we expect them to come with better experiences than what we have already seen.
Some of the films we expect to see are:
Lara and the Beat:
Biola Alabi Media and Skylar pictures got us excited with the trailer of “Lara and the Beat”. Clean, engaging, refreshing beats and bringing all the feels, “Lara and the Beat” is the coming of age story of The Giwa’s. They are caught in a financial turmoil after trouble hits their parent’s media empire. One sister is full of dreams, the other is a support system through it.
“Lara and the Beat” features Seyi Shay in her debut as an actor. Also featured are Somkhele Iyamah-Idhalama, Chioma Chukwuka, Uche Jombo, Anee Icha, Toni Tones and more. “Lara and the Beat” will be released on the 20th of July.
King of Boys by Kemi Adetiba:
Kemi Adetiba started teasing her new project in October 2017. She announced an online audition in January and officially introduced us to characters in February. There was a lot of excitement after the announcement, partly because it is a star-studded cast, and mostly, because Sola Sobowale is leading the cast as Eniola Salami. Also, this is an independent project for Kemi and she has assured fans that the project is very different from anything she has done.
Through “King of Boys” we will be able to feel the authenticity of the filmmaker and appreciate her creative journey. “King of Boys” is set to feature Adesua Etomi, Banky W, Sharon Ooja, Paul Sambo, Osas Ajibade, Toni Tones, Sani Muazu, Zack Orji, Demola Adedoyin, Akin Lewis, Omoni Oboli, Ill Bliss and Reminisce.
Chief Daddy:
Ebony Life Films excited a lot of their audience by announcing their upcoming project “Chief Daddy”. The film will be released in December, which is a regular release month for Ebony Life Films. “Chief Daddy does not only mix new and old faces, it reunites Mo Abudu and Niyi Akinmolayan for their third film collaboration (“The Wedding Party” and “Castle & Castle”). “Chief Daddy” tells the story of Chief Beecroft, a flamboyant benefactor to a large extended family of relatives, household staff and assorted mistresses. Chief lives large, like there’s no tomorrow, until the day he dies suddenly and the ‘bullion van’ stops.
Chief Daddy features Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Ini Edo, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe Damijo, Zainab Balogun, Rachel Oniga, Joke Silva and many others.
Yoruba Demons:
Many believe that AY’s “Yoruba Demons” will be a better output, compared to two of his early “Yoruba Demons” takes inspiration from the Real Nigerian bad Boys. You know – those that will come to women, acting like they want something serious and then shatter hearts while at it.
A comedy of habits, “Yoruba Demons” was shot on location in Abuja. While the director for the project is unknown, we know that, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Fathia Balogun, Damilola Adegbite, Falz, and Ireti Doyle are set to feature.
Lion Heart:
As many actors try their hands at directing, Genevieve Nnaji is not left out. The actress has directed her first film, which she features in. Lion Heart is the story of an Igbo family that is into the transportation business. While “Lion Heart” was shot last year, there has been no talk on a release date or a teaser, however, we expect to see “Lion Heart” before the end of 2018. “Lion Heart” features Jemima Osunde, Pete Edochie, Phyno, Peter Okoye, Nkew Owoh, Kanayo O. Kanyo.
Which feature are you looking forward to see?
