2015 was a year of the movies in Nollywood, with record-breaking sales and cinematographic works of art that made us proud to be Nigerian. From the stellar story plots to the brilliant acting and the on-point visuals, these movies listed below made our trips to the cinema worth our time and money, and made us look forward to what is to come.
1. Fifty: Directed by Biyi Bandele (Half of a Yellow Sun), Fifty follows the lives of four women – portrayed by Omoni Oboli, Ireti Doyle, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Dakore Egbuson Akande – in the busy metropolitan town of Lagos. The film premiered on the 13th of December in Lagos, Nigeria, months after hitting the international scene and being sold out in 4 days at BFI London Film Festival.
2. Gbomo Gbomo Express: The hilarious comedy is centered on a kidnapping-gone-wrong ploy, and stars heavyweight actors like Ramsey Nouah and Gideon Okeke to name a few. It was released in September and directed by the award-winning Walter “Waltbanger” Taylaur as a spinoff to the EbonyLife TV series, Married to the Game.3. The Guest: Nollywood stars, Femi Jacobs and Rita Dominic impressed critics and viewers alike with excellent performances in The Guest. The film explored an unexpected love triangle between a married couple and a home guest with dire consequences.
4. While You Slept: Ini Edo and Joseph Benjamin starred in this blockbuster produced by Emem Isong. A mysterious stranger claims to be the lover of a woman’s late husband, and as you can imagine all hell breaks loose. The movie was shot in Lagos, Nigeria and released in the early part of 2015.
5. The Other Side: American-based Nollywood writer and actress, Dtymi Ngozi Ibe released this heartwarming film in collaboration with talented screenwriter, Ike Nnaebue. Starring Uche Jombo Rodriguez, this intense thriller and drama was shot in Texas, Houston and received rave reviews both locally and abroad.
6. Falling: Uduak Isong Oguamanam’s film, Falling was dubbed the Romance Flick of the Year by critics and hardcore movie buffs, thanks to its heartfelt plot and amazing acting featured. The plot revolved around the thought-provoking idea of waiting for a loved one to revive from a coma when all hope seems lost. Stars included Nollywood’s it girl, Adesua Etomi, and award-winning actor Blossom Chukwujekwe.
7. The Department: One part romance, one part crime, the Department was a treat for Nollywood movie buffs this year. Desmond Elliot, Majid Michel, OC Ukeje and Osas Ighodaro made up the film’s star-studded cast, with Majid and Osas playing a couple in a tug of war with a secret organisation they were once members of.
Did we miss out any of your favourites? Share them with everyone in the comments section below.
