Everything You Need to Know About "Finding Nina" Movie

The Story⚡

A single photograph sparks a quest that blurs the line between reality and myth. Finding Nina is set to lure you into Northern Nigeria’s vibrant heart, where love, heartbreak, and healing can determine the fate of the journey of a lifetime. Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya, this Nemsia Studios and Unfriendly Space Studios drama hits Prime Video on August 8, 2025.

Tell Me More

Finding Nina, a collaboration between Nemsia Studios and Unfriendly Space Studios, is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant drama that unfolds against the contrasting backdrops of Northern Nigeria and Lagos. The film follows JB (Abdulazeem M Ibrahim), a world-renowned street and travel photographer who has spent years capturing foreign cultures while drifting from his own. Driven to challenge the stereotypes of conflict and poverty that dominate narratives about Northern Nigeria, JB returns home on a soul-searching mission.

Accompanied by Abdul (Paul Sambo), a curious and bold almajiri boy, he begins documenting the region’s overlooked vibrancy—its colors, traditions, and resilient spirit. The film’s heart lies in a pivotal moment: JB photographs a mysterious woman in a red veil (Ijapari Ben-Hirki) at a village market, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his childhood love, Nina. Before he can reach her, she vanishes, sparking an odyssey that blends memory, dreams, and Hausa folklore.

This quest to find Nina becomes a journey inward, forcing JB to confront the unresolved trauma of his mother’s past and his fears of intimacy. The film’s dreamlike sequences, particularly a surreal market chase infused with folkloric imagery, draw viewers into JB’s psyche, where past and present blur. Meanwhile, Riayah (Tomi Ojo), his steadfast creative partner in Lagos, harbors a quiet, unrequited love for him, adding layers of heartbreak and hope.

Supporting performances by Mbasiti Jesse, Ahmed Isa, Augustine Gilbert Gotar, Vine Olugu, Rabi’u Rikadawa as the wise village elder, and Nadia Dutch enrich the narrative, grounding it in cultural authenticity. Rikadawa’s portrayal of the elder, in particular, offers poignant moments of wisdom, reminding JB of the heritage he risks losing.

Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya, Finding Nina reflects his mission to reframe Northern Nigeria’s narrative. Iraoya, a National Film Institute alumnus, infuses the film with poetic visuals, drawing on his expertise as a cinematographer. His director’s statement reveals the film’s heart: “This story is my attempt to show the poetry in our people, the ache of what we forget when we don’t look closely enough.” Producer Dalaham Hirse, founder of Unfriendly Space Studios, brings his passion for authentic storytelling, honed at the National Film Institute and Federal Government College Wukari. Co-producer Joshua Enakarhire complements the team, ensuring the film’s high production values, shot over six weeks in Jos and Lagos.

Nemsia Studios partners with Unfriendly Space Studios to deliver a film that challenges conventions and amplifies underrepresented voices. The film’s lyrical exploration of identity and its vibrant portrayal of Hausa culture show its richness in culture.

Finding Nina stands out in Nollywood’s 2025 slate for its bold fusion of folklore and modern storytelling, with a distinctly Northern Nigerian lens. Its release on Prime Video ensures global accessibility, aligning with Nemsia’s mission to elevate African stories with universal resonance.

From the bustling markets of Jos to the urban pulse of Lagos, the film’s cinematography captures Nigeria’s diversity, while its emotional depth invites viewers to reflect on their roots. With its compelling cast, visionary direction, and cultural authenticity, Finding Nina is a cinematic gem that promises to linger long after the credits roll.

Tangent

Nemsia Studios has solidified its status as a Nollywood titan in 2025, releasing five diverse films as part of its ambitious 12-movie slate, along with three original commissions for Prime Video. Finding Nina marks the fifth title of the year, following a dynamic lineup that showcases the studio’s genre-spanning prowess. In March, Suky, directed by Ola Cardoso, delivered a gritty action film. May saw “After 30,” a follow-up to the 2015 series “Before 30,” directed by debutant Momo Spaine.

In June, “The Fire and The Moth“, directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, brought an Afro-Western action-crime thriller to Prime Video. Also in June, “Ms. Kanyin”, a supernatural thriller directed by Jerry Ossai, premiered on Prime Video. With Finding Nina as the fifth release, Nemsia’s 2025 output, part of a landmark deal with Prime Video, demonstrates its commitment to diverse, authentic African stories, from action and thriller to drama and supernatural genres, cementing its role as a trailblazer in Nollywood.