The cinema holds a special place in our collective Nigerian imagination. It’s where we escape reality, laugh, awww, and sometimes cry. For many of us, our first cinema experience was more than just a movie; it was an event.
In this article, we asked seven Nigerians to take a trip down memory lane and revisit the first Nigerian movie they saw at the cinema. From peer pressure to hyped film and movie dates, their stories highlight the power of cinema to shape our perceptions, spark conversations, and create lasting memories.
Lola, 26
The first Nigerian film I watched at the cinema was The Wedding Party. I have always watched foreign movies in the cinema, but I used to avoid Nigerian films because it wasn’t giving back then.
It makes sense that I first saw The Wedding Party at the cinema because I love weddings. I like the overall glamour of a Lagos wedding. But the cast of the movie was the selling point for me. They packed many of my favourite Nollywood people into one project. I was already in love with Adesuwa and Somkele and wanted to see them on the big screen. I won’t lie; I loved most of the cast members, so it was an easy choice to make.
After TWP, I went to see the likes of Merry Men, Chief Daddy, Lost in London, and The Wedding Party 2. I will go to the cinema to see any film I see my faves.
Francis, 24
It was 2019 in Ilorin. My friend’s babe wanted to go to the cinema. She brought her friend alongside her and introduced her to me. We all went together. It was around 4 PM, and James Abinibi’s The Call was the only film available for viewing. We watched it, but I didn’t pay attention all through. It wasn’t my type.
That was my first time at a cinema and also the last time I saw a Nigerian film in a cinema.
Tonye, 28
It was Fifty. Everyone was talking about it, and I heard there was a sex scene, so I went to see it. It was worth it. At the time, it was ₦2,500, which was expensive. But I enjoyed the film. It’s a good movie. The production was tight. It’s a modern film. It was different from what was in the cinemas at the time. It convinced me to see more Nollywood productions in the cinema, and I’ve seen a lot since then.
Folaranmi, 27
My first time at a cinema, I saw Mami Wata by CJ “Fiery” Obasi in 2023. It was worth my money. Throughout my university years, I avoided the cinema and any discussion that suggested going there. I hated large crowds. Even when I saw Mami Wata, there weren’t a lot of folks in the cinema. So, I totally enjoyed the silence and space, even though it was not like I had them to myself.
I have gone to see more Nigerian films at the cinema, but dates with babes took me there, to be honest. If not, I’d be binge-watching in my house. If there’s any Nigerian movie that’d motivate me to go willingly to the cinema, it’d be Mami Wata, but unfortunately, it’s not showing in any Nigerian cinema again.
Adefunke, 24
It was Ayinla. I love Lateef Adedimeji. I had just met someone at that time, too, and the person was fascinated with the biopic, so I wanted to see what they liked. I heard that there was also going to be some singing in it, which got my interest. I enjoyed the film very much, though people made a lot of noise in the cinema, which disgusted me. That’s why I haven’t been to the cinema since then. I’d rather wait for the film to come out on streaming platforms.
Mariam, 24
The one I vividly remember was A Tribe Called Judah in 2023. I went with my mom, brother and nephews and when we got to the cinema, it was crowded AF. We didn’t factor in that it was a festive period, and everyone would be out with their families. When the movie started, I had a great time. The movie was fun, and everyone at the cinema was laughing. It was a feel-good moment.
I haven’t gone to the cinema since then, though I have no reservations about watching Nollywood there. If I have the luxury of time, I will.
Korede, 26
I watched Ayinla in the cinema because I am a Tunde Kelani and Kunle Afolayan cult follower. That day, I had a good time, actually. I went to Ilorin to see friends after uni. Afterwards, I insisted all I wanted to watch was Ayinla. They wanted to watch something else. They had to watch it with me. We all liked it.
The film producers were decent with the rollout. That was when the Apala music conversation on social media platforms peaked. I was in Abeokuta last month, and I was shown Ayinla’s family house from afar. The movie hit once more.
