The African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is back. This year’s lineup is packed with some of the most anticipated Nigerian films, showcasing the country’s cinematic prowess.
From gripping feature films to heartwarming short films, AFRIFF 2024 promises to deliver a cinematic experience like no other. In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 Nigerian films you won’t want to miss.
The Man Died (2024)
This is a film about Wole Soyinka’s time in prison. Exploring his life from the era of Nigeria’s civil war, A Man Died shows Soyinka’s resistance, endurance, courage as a writer, activist and human being. Actor Wale Ojo plays Wole Soyinka. The rest of the cast are Sam Dede, Nobert Young, Segilola Ogidan and Christina Oshunniyi. It’s directed by Awam Amkpa.
A Ghetto Love Story (2024)
This romance drama about poverty, struggles, love and perseverance is Basketmouth’s first feature film. He also co-wrote the story alongside Victoria Eze. Daniel Oriahi directed it, and the cast includes Akah Nnani, Chimezie Imo, Nkem Owoh, Beverly Osu and Genoveva Umeh. It’s premiering on November 22, 2024.
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (2024)
A struggling single mom and food seller runs into blood money around the time the government was trying to evict her and other residents from their waterfront slum. The film stars Temiloluwa Ami-Walliams, Gerard Avlessi, Teniola Aladese and Adebowale Adeayo.
Recall (2024)
Kunle Afolayan is back again with Recall, a new film that will debut at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2024. It’s a psychological thriller about a couple whose loving relationship turns mysterious. Sharon Ooja, Olarotimi Michael Fakunle, Tina Mba and Shan George are in it.
Out of Breath (2024)
This Igbo language film joins the list of Nollywood epics such as Anikulapo, King of Thieves and Jagun Jagun that we have seen in recent times. Out of Breath is described as a film about African tradition and courage. Expect popular names Kanayo O. Kanayo, Chidi Mokeme and Jidekene Achufusi.
Yam and Egg (2024)
The themes of grief, migration, and betrayal are prominent in Yam and Egg
Tribal Mark (2024)
This short film flips the script on James Bond. It’s about a Nigerian immigrant who gets introduced to the undercover world of the Black Secret Service. Skepta executive-produced it, and it stars Jude Carmichael, Ciaran Duce, and Kola Banjo.
Conversations From The Past (2024)
The time setting of this film is 1863 and it’s a fictional story about the experiences of Efunroye Tinubu (a slave merchant) and Sara Forbes Bonetta, a former slave and Nigerian-born goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Fadekemi Olumide Aluko and Kuchi Chris star in this.
Headless (2024)
This film tells the story of a Nollywood producer caught with a human head in his car boot. Investigation further reveals the link between crime, the Nigerian film industry, and politics. Gideon Okeke, Baaj Adekunle, and Uzoamaka Aniunoh are cast in the film.
Salamatu (2024)
A devout Muslim girl decides to become a rapper, but her dad’s desire to honour her late mom interferes with her ambitions. This short film explores family and tradition. It was written by Abu-bakr S. Adamu and stars Wapi Barau, Maimuma Dikko, and Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim.
If you’re going to be at AFRIFF 2024 and want to watch any of these films, find the date, venue, screening time, and room below.
