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With the Easter weekend fast approaching, three highly anticipated films are set to debut on the same day. This post takes a closer look at these titles and their chances of dominating the box office.
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On April 18, 2025—which happens to be Easter weekend—three highly anticipated Nollywood films, Makemation, Owambe Thieves, and Aso Ebi Diaries, will hit cinemas across Nigeria. Much like the Christmas and New Year holiday seasons, the Easter weekend is a prime release period for filmmakers. The reason isn’t far-fetched: public holidays mean larger audiences, as families, friends, and couples seek entertainment at the box office.
This year’s Easter lineup promises intense competition, with three major titles—each offering a unique cinematic experience—vying for audience attention. Let’s take a closer look at the three films and catch a glimpse of the glitz and glamour from their premiere events.
1. Makemation
Co-written by Nengi Diri and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and directed by Michael Akinrogunde, Makemation is a coming-of-age drama set in rural Lagos. The film explores the power of technology and artificial intelligence through the journey of a brilliant but underprivileged young girl who leverages innovation to solve pressing African challenges. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shaffy Bello, and Tomi Ojo, Makemation is being touted as “Africa’s first feature film that spotlights the fast-rising impact of youth, especially girls, in harnessing AI and tech innovations to tackle some of the continent’s most wicked problems.”
Images for Makemation Premiere
Owambe Thieves
Directed by Adeoluwa Owu and co-produced by Barbara Babarinsa and Eniola Ajao, Owambe Thieves follows the gripping story of Cheta and Lola, a struggling young couple navigating the harsh realities of one of Nigeria’s worst recessions. With a newborn child and mounting financial pressures, they find themselves at a crossroads where survival takes precedence over morality. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Tolani Baj, Phyna Otabor, Mo Bimpe Adedimeji, Shina Peters, Denrele Edun, and Tobi Makinde, the film blends drama and intrigue while mirroring the economic struggles many Nigerians can relate to.
Premiere Images from Owambe Thieves
Aso Ebi Diaries
Biodun Stephen, a director well-versed in crafting culturally rich narratives, takes the helm of Aso Ebi Diaries, a film that delves into Nigeria’s vibrant party culture. Co-written by Janet Aiyegbusi, Abimbola Daramola, and Laide Daramola, the movie stars Shaffy Bello, Nancy Isime, Kunle Remi, Daniel Etim Effiong, and Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori. The story explores the evolution of the Aso Ebi tradition, dissecting its social relevance and questioning whether its significance has been altered over time.
Premiere Images from Aso Ebi Diaries
An Intense Box Office Faceoff
With three strong contenders, the Easter weekend box office battle will be one to watch. Each film has its strengths: Makemation appeals to tech-savvy audiences and lovers of inspirational storytelling, Owambe Thieves taps into the realities of economic hardship, and Aso Ebi Diaries resonates with the deep cultural nostalgia of Nigerian celebrations.
One major factor that could influence ticket sales is the credibility of the directors, all of whom have left indelible marks on the Nigerian box office.
- Michael Akinrogunde, director of Makemation, previously directed The Ghost and the Tout Too (2021), currently the 36th highest-grossing film in Nigerian box office history. He also directed Loving Amanda (2021), a groundbreaking virtual premiere that set a new standard for film distribution in Nigeria.
- Adeoluwa Owu, director of Owambe Thieves, is no stranger to box office success. He co-directed A Tribe Called Judah, the second-highest-grossing film in Nigeria, and directed Queen Lateefah, which currently holds the ninth position on the all-time box office list.
- Biodun Stephen, the mastermind behind Aso Ebi Diaries, is a box office regular, with multiple hits to her name. Her past films include Aki and Pawpaw (#33), Muri and Ko (#35), Breaded Life (#51), The Kuju’s Again (#73), Big Love (#79), and The Wild Flower (#93).
With such accomplished directors at the helm, it’s difficult to predict which film will emerge as the biggest winner of the Easter weekend. However, one thing is certain: Nigerian moviegoers are in for a cinematic treat.
In Summary
With three distinct yet compelling films hitting cinemas this Easter weekend, Nollywood audiences are in for an exciting box office showdown. Whether drawn to innovation, survival struggles, or cultural nostalgia, moviegoers have plenty to look forward to as they make their picks for the holiday.
Which of these films are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!
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