Author: Foluke Adarale
Running time: 1 hour 44 minutes Director: Tunde Olaye Writers: Laduda Quadri and Segun Akejeje Cast: Gabriel Afolayan, Kehinde Bankole, Adeniyi Johnson, Hafiz ‘Saka’ Oyetoro, Debo ‘Mr Macaroni’ Adebayo, Omowunmi Dada, Zack Orji, Norbert Young, Laduba Quadri Qidad, Kalu Ikeagwu, Tunji Adeyemo Released in 2021 and currently available on Prime Video in 2023, “Lugard” remains a timeless depiction of the profound impact of cultism within Nigerian higher education, coupled with themes of redemption. From the outset, what captured my attention was the mastery of the English language. It wasn’t contrived accents but rather a genuine command of English that…
Cinematography by: Michael Sotunbo Directed by: Jimeto Onyedika and Awoyomi Akorede Written by: Adebayo Oduwole Where to watch: YouTube Running time: 11 minutes, 51 seconds I came across a conversation on X (formerly Twitter) raving about a movie, emphasizing its significance for everyone to watch at least once. Intrigued, I went on YouTube because, why not? This short film, which premiered on October 16, 2023, is a creation of the Ebony Life Creative Academy (ELCAShorts). It follows the intricate journey of a mathematical genius whose inadvertent actions lead to a global descent into madness. Left as the sole remaining sane…
Genre: Drama Year: 2022 Duration: 58m Audio: English and yoruba Director & Cast: Julie Ako, Belinda Yanga, Seun Ajayi, Philip Francis, Joke Muyiwa Honestly, I’ve skipped this part many times before, but around seven (7) minutes in, I realized I should’ve watched it earlier. It’s a Nigerian-themed movie with a great atmosphere. The styles and fashion choices are fantastic, even if a bit exaggerated. But it’s clear they’re embracing Nigerian cultural traditions. Initially, judging by the title and cover on ShowMax, I thought it was a traditional precolonial movie. However, it surprised me. The traditional chants and songs got…
The tagline that followed the title is Agu, Witchcraft had a case. This tagline is quite intriguing and it has kept the audience including us waiting in high expectations! The Showmax Original Agu premieres on December 14, 2023. It’s a six-part legal drama series following the lives of three main characters: Etim (played by Kanayo), Pius (Nonso Odogwu), and Victoria (Ruby Okezie). The story revolves around a murder case involving Pius’ close friend, Jonathan. Etim, a 50-year-old lawyer grappling with career setbacks and battling alcoholism, encounters Pius, a follower of traditional beliefs accused of killing his friend in a…
Unexpectedly, Netflix jumped into science fiction territory only to leave economic difficulties and half finished work. To begin with, the streaming giant gave $11 million to filmmaker Carl Erik Rinsch for making a mind blowing sci-fi series. Nevertheless, this storyline has resulted in a heated debate between Netflix and what it considers as wasting of their money. Initially this started off in high spirits because Netflix gave Rinsch creative freedom coupled with good money to shoot the movie. However, despite these huge expenditures, the final completed parts never emerged as promised. As a result, this fallout turned into a private…
The spotlight will once again circle around comedian Jimmy Kimmel who will take centre stage at the 2024 upcoming 96th Oscars. This is the fourth time that Kimmel will host one of Hollywood’s most distinguished events, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Los Angeles. According to the academy’s release, Kimmel stated, “for as long as I could remember, I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times.” Johnny Carson holds the record with 5 hosting appearances, followed by Billy Crystal with 9, and Bob Hope with an astonishing 11 times as hosts, surpassing all…
C.J Obasi has been ushered into a new phase in his career by the Gotham Group, a prominent Hollywood establishment, in its recent announcement of the official membership of the Nigerian filmmaker. Mami Wata, C.J. Obasi’ latest silver screen masterpiece will compete as Nigeria’s representative in the Best International Feature category during the forthcoming 96th Academy Awards. Gaining recognition at Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema- Dramatic section, “Mami Wata” took home the best cinematography award. An award-winning filmmaker with an impressive catalogue such as “Ojuju” (2014) and “O-Town” (2015), for which he earned accolades from festivals like Gothenburg…
In a recent social media statement, Gideon Okeke, the Tinsel Star, actor and media personality, raised concerns about the portrayal of female content creators who opt to display their bodies while entertaining their audience on various social media platforms. In a long post on Instagram, Okeke made it clear that he did not approve of what was going on. He also pointed out that there are some female creators who hide their relationships, but reveal certain intimate body parts to the audience. The actor stated how most people will say things like “my body is my business” or “you can…
Taika Waititi, the renowned director behind hits like “Jojo Rabbit” and Thor: Love and Thunder”, comes Next Goal Wins. While admitting limited knowledge about soccer Waititi goes into the world of the traditionally unimpressive 2011 American Samoa men’s squad, in their struggle to qualify for the FIFA World Cup after an infamous 31-0 drubbing against Australia. Next goal wins, the film is scheduled for release in theatres come Friday and breaks away from the norm. It is about the struggle of the team towards atonement and securing a qualification slot in the World Cup. But waititi’s movie is not only…
The 2023 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards nominations have been released and ‘Shanty Town’ is leading. Xavier Ighorodje and Chichi Nworah produced by Chinenye Nworah, it had fifteen nominations among which were twenty-nine. Another movie titled ‘herdsmen’ by Chloe Coko and ‘underbelly’ by Tunde Aina come close, having nominated twelve times. For some years already, however, the BON Awards, held annually to applaud brilliance within the Nigerian films, functions as a creative fortress of the nation’s cinematic artists. Technical brilliance of ‘Shanty Town’ is apparent for special effects, sound, and sound track. This is an amazing crime thriller that has…