The Story⚡
From Grace Yakubu’s fearless debut Aljana to Kayode Kasum’s haunting Fractured, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s heartfelt directorial debut Mother’s Love.
Here is the full list of feature films that attendees of AFRIFF can look forward to watching
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From powerful psychological thrillers to tender love stories and bold cultural dramas, Nigerian filmmakers are raising the bar once again. This year’s lineup features visionary directors, both emerging and established, telling stories that are deeply African yet universal in emotion and scale.
Each film below brings a distinct voice, a compelling story, and a reason to be excited about the next chapter of Nigerian cinema
These Ten Feature Films will be flying the Nigerian flag at this year’s Festival
1. FRACTURED
FRACTURED is directed by Kayode Kasum, written by Dare Olaitan, and produced by Tolu Babs Omish and Kayode Kasum.
Kayode Kasum, winner of the 2025 AMVCA Trailblazer Award, brings you Fractured, a stylish psychological thriller that dives deep into the mind of a powerful woman losing her grip on reality. Expect a gripping mix of corporate power, emotional trauma, and intense suspense.
The Story follows Tosin Aigo, a successful businesswoman and adopted heiress to Nigeria’s largest snack empire, who seems to have it all. But after a violent robbery at her home, her world begins to spiral. Haunted by visions of her double, Tosin uncovers betrayal, hidden trauma, and dark secrets that threaten her sanity. Her fractured identity may hold the key to her downfall, or her redemption.
Key cast include Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Etim Effiong, Shaffy Bello.
2. ALJANA
ALJANA is directed and executive produced by Grace Yakubu, with production by Gold One Studios, One Films Production, and Cave Stories.
Grace Yakubu, a bold new voice from Northern Nigeria and a graduate of the University of the Arts London, delivers her first narrative feature. Aljana is a daring and emotional story that challenges tradition and faith while exploring childhood trauma in a society ruled by fear.
The story takes place in a remote northern village dominated by religious terror, a young girl risks everything to save a boy condemned by the community as cursed. Her defiance sparks a rebellion against the beliefs that hold her people captive; a story of courage, compassion, and freedom.
Key Cast include Nadia Dutch, Paul Sambo, Rekiya Atta, Bala Bamaiyi, Umar Gombe, Ella Balat, Richard Bmabaiye.
3. THE BOY WHO GAVE
THE BOY WHO GAVE is directed by Allison Precious Emmanuel.
After earning acclaim for several award-winning short films, Allison Precious Emmanuel makes his feature debut with The Boy Who Gave. Known for heartfelt human stories grounded in African life, Emmanuel brings his signature sensitivity and authenticity to the big screen.
This emotional drama explores sacrifice, love, and the human spirit through the eyes of ordinary people navigating life’s challenges in an African setting. It’s a film about giving , and what it costs.
Key Cast includes Allison Precious Emmanuel, Abbey Delight Dagogo, Hart Andrew, Tina Mba, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chuks Joseph
4. TO ADAEGO WITH LOVE
TO ADAEGO WITH LOVE is directed by Nwamaka Priscilla Chikezie, written and produced by Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba, and produced under A Ziva Works Limited in association with Tade Production House.
A touching romantic drama set in post-war Nigeria, To Adaego With Love uses music to tell a story of healing and unity. With Nwamaka Chikezie at the helm, this film promises beauty, nostalgia, and emotional depth.
After the Nigerian civil war, a forbidden love blooms between a soldier and a schoolteacher. Through music, they find a way to heal themselves and a nation still scarred by conflict.
Key cast include Chisom Agoawuike, Adam Garba, Bob-Manuel Odogwu, Chioma Chukwuka, Demi Banwo, Riyo David, Sydney Diala, Onyeka Onwenu.
5.NJEM
NJEM is directed by Uche Chukwu and produced by Campfire Studios.
Uche Chukwu, an award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer, brings another emotionally charged story from his Lagos-based Campfire Studios. Njem examines the universal struggle for freedom, hope, and belonging; themes that connect across cultures.
The story follows a young hustler who dreams of migrating to a better life. But when fate ties his escape to a painful moral choice, he must decide between love and survival. Njem is a story of ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to be free.
Key Cast include Chimezie Imo, Goodness Emmanuel, Rotimi Salami, Kelechi Udegbe, Tina Mba, Tana Adelana, Toyin Oshinaike, Tomi Ojo, Abayomi Olukanmi
6. SAFARI
SAFARI is directed by Obi Emelonye, written by Tunde Babalola, and produced by Obi Emelonye and Reuben Odanga from Kenya.
Eight years in the making, Safari unites Nollywood and Kenyan cinema in a breathtaking story of self-discovery. Directed by Obi Emelonye and co-produced with the Kenyan Tourism Board, it’s a cinematic love letter to Africa’s landscapes and emotional depths.
The story folows A senator’s wife, who worn down by her husband’s presidential campaign and their crumbling marriage, seeks peace on a safari in Kenya. But instead of escape, she finds herself in the middle of new drama and self-realization.
Key Cast includes Osas Ighodaro, Ali Nuhu, Anthony Monjaro, Jidekene Achufusi, Kenneth Ambani, Helen Keli
7. SON OF THE SOIL
SON OF THE SOIL is directed by Chee Keong Cheung, written by and starring Raz Adoti, and produced by Action Xtreme.
British-American filmmaker Chee Keong Cheung collaborates with Nigerian talent for the first time in Son of the Soil. Blending Nigerian grit with global action filmmaking, the movie promises thrilling storytelling and deep emotion.
The story follows Nigerian soldier Zion Ladejo, returns home after his sister’s tragic death. Haunted by his past, his search for justice turns into a violent quest for redemption, forcing him to confront the demons within.
Key Cast include Raz Adoti, Iretiola Doyle, Sunshine Rosman, Philip Asaya, Damilola Ogunsi, Taye Arimoro, Emeka Golden, Sharon Rotimi, James “BlacQ”
8. THE GOOD GIFT
THE GOOD GIFT is directed by Kayode Kasum, produce by Chris Odeh and executive produced by Williams Uchemba. Kayode Kasum features twice at this year’s AFRIFF with Fractured and The Good Gift,
The Good Gift is a deeply emotional story that celebrates one of life’s most enduring bonds , the love between a father and his daughter. Poignant and heartfelt, it captures the tenderness, sacrifice, and beauty of love in its purest form.
Key Cast includes Williams Uchemba, Lateef Adedimeji, Uzor Arukwe, Hild Dokubo
9. THREE TRAMPS AND THE LAW
THREE TRAMPS AND THE LAW is directed and produced by Yibo Koko under Seki Film Production.
Known for his creative leadership in the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Yibo Koko steps behind the camera for a sharp mix of drama, adventure, and comedy. Set in Port Harcourt, Three Tramps and the Law is an entertaining ride with meaning beneath the laughter.
The story follows four strangers who chase wealth in Port Harcourt, only to uncover greed, lies, and deceit within themselves. Their adventures show that sometimes, the biggest battles are not with others , but within.
Key cast includes Nse Ikpe-Etim, Kayla Eva, Femi Jacobs, Nkem Owoh, Ada Ameh, Charles Inojie, Tamara Eteimo, Bethel Njoku, Oyetoro Hafiz, Daniel Nnwoka
10. MOTHER’S LOVE
MOTHER’S LOVE is directed by superstar actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.
She steps into the director’s chair for the first time with Mother’s Love, an inspiring and deeply personal story. After its acclaimed debut at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, it marks a powerful new chapter in her career. The Story follows a young woman from a privileged background who breaks free to find her purpose during her NYSC year. Along the way, she discovers strength, family, and the limitless love of a mother.
Key Cast includedes Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ifeanyi Kalu, Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Nosa Rex, Olumide Oworu.
Analysis Of Selected Nigerian Films AT AFRIFF 2025
Analysis from AFRIFF 2025 reveals interesting touchpoints in Nigerian cinema.
30% of the country’s selected features were directed by women, and a marked rise in regional partnerships with Kenya and the UK.
The genre range, spanning thrillers, dramas, and socially grounded narratives, reflects measurable taste in festival selections.
Further data shows that 30% of Nigerian feature directors are debut feature filmmakers, and 40% of titles explore psychological or social realism.
Two titles are confirmed for a theatrical release
In Summary
Afriff 2025 begins with the opening film of 3 Cold Dishes, a pan-African film directed by Nigerian film director Asurf Oluseyi. This totals the Nigerian selection to 11 and gives a fine array of choices for cinephiles to taste at this year’s festival.
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