Nollywood is giving cinema lovers plenty to choose from this August, with new releases exploring family, power, tradition, history and justice. Here are the films that deserve a place on your watchlist.
Sweet 16
A spoilt city girl is counting down to a glamorous 16th birthday party and expects a new car as the ultimate gift. Her plans fall apart when she is tricked into spending her holiday in a village. Away from luxury, she must adjust to an unfamiliar life and learn lessons about humility, responsibility and identity. Opening in cinemas today, August 14, Sweet 16 blends music, humour and family drama, with Angel Unigwe, Uche Jombo, Alexx Ekubo, Mercy Aigbe, Broda Shaggi and Yemi Alade among its cast.
Abujaa: Every Throne Demands a Sacrifice
A prophecy says the heir to Ilupeju’s throne will never become king, but he refuses to surrender his claim. Determined to defeat fate, he and his fiancée turn to forbidden rituals, only to discover that power always comes at a price. Arriving in cinemas on August 21, Abujaa: Every Throne Demands a Sacrifice explores ambition, destiny and the consequences of chasing a crown at all costs. The Yoruba epic stars Sola Sobowale, Muyiwa Ademola, Omowunmi Dada, Tina Mba and Allwell Ademola.
Ikenga: The Last Festival
Umuani is a peaceful kingdom where honour and sacred traditions guide the people. That peace begins to crumble when a powerful man uses forbidden forces to strengthen his influence over the community. As fear spreads, the king and elders must defend their people and the values holding the kingdom together. Opening on August 21, Ikenga: The Last Festival brings together Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwo and Kanayo O. Kanayo alongside Regina Daniels, Destiny Etiko and Zubby Michael.
King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos
Prince Kosoko survives childhood curses but grows up to watch other men occupy the throne he believes belongs to him. Rather than accept defeat, he builds his wealth, forms powerful alliances and waits for the right moment to reclaim his place. Arriving in cinemas on August 28, King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos revisits the ambition, rivalry and royal struggles that shaped old Lagos. The historical drama stars Jide Kosoko, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Branch and Faithia Williams.
The Night of June 7th
A night of celebration takes a devastating turn when six friends cross paths with a senior police officer. Inspired by the Apo Six case of 2005, The Night of June 7th examines injustice, abuse of authority and the difficult search for accountability. The film asks audiences to look beyond the headlines and remember the people at the heart of the tragedy. Directed by Toka McBaror and starring Gideon Okeke, Ali Nuhu and Femi Branch, the true-life drama opens in cinemas on August 28.
