Valentine’s Day may have left some of us high and dry, but Nollywood is showing us love all year round! If you’re still reeling from the singles’ blues, don’t worry; we’ve got the perfect distraction.
From new theatrical titles rolling in, Prime Video kicking off 2025 dated releases, Roye Okupe’s Iyanu Animated series gets a multi-platform release, and a working list tea on the March 2025 lineup and more – It’s a combo edition of the Nollywood Watch Weekly newsletter, and we’re dishing out all the details in one go!
Top Story: The Nile Theatrical Nollywood Slate in 2025
Rollpay Africa, in collaboration with Nile Entertainment, successfully hosted the Film Tech Connect Exhibition at Nile Cinemas Ikota, bringing together industry leaders across film, technology, and finance to explore the future of film tech in Africa. The event also offered a glimpse into Nile Entertainment’s upcoming 2025 film slate.
Blackout – A gripping thriller about a woman who wakes up with no memory of her husband and two children. As she tries to recollect her past, she realizes that her husband is holding her captive. Get ready for a heart-pumping ride filled with twists and turns. Directed by Okey Oku and produced by Orcale Studios
The Artifact – an epic adventure in this thrilling feature film. Get ready to uncover the secrets of the past! Directed by Lord Tanner and produced by Lord Tanner Studios, In cinemas March 21st.
Mother’s Love – Omotola Jalade Ekeinde makes her directorial debut in this heartwarming drama that explores the complexities of motherly love, delving into themes of parental control, unresolved grief, family values, and belief systems. Directed by: Omotola Jalade Ekeinde under Reddoor Studios. In cinemas October 2025.
Radio Voice – a captivating drama about a sex worker who becomes the unlikely savior of a struggling radio station. But when her past catches up with her, things take a complicated turn. The film also explores themes of grief and redemption. Executive Producer: Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Directed by Isioma Osaje. In cinemas on April 11th
Makemation – an African film centered on artificial intelligence. A young girl enrolls in a prestigious tech school and proves her genius, challenging the status quo. Directed by AMA Pslamist, Produced by: Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji under Rise Interactive Studios. In cinemas April 18th 2025
Reverse – tells the story of Rita, who stops an assault on a young girl while shopping at a grocery store. This heroic act changes the course of her life forever. Executive Produced by Linda Ikeji, In cienmas May 16th.
Imported Wives – Follows the story of a Nigerian man played by Joseph Benjamin living in Canada who returns home to find a wife and build a life. The film explores the effects of migration on marriages and the challenges of cultural adjustments. Produced by Paschal Atunma, In cienmas May 30th.
Red Circle – a gripping crime thriller that follows a journalist as she uncovers a powerful crime ring in Lagos. Directed by Akay Mason, Executive Produced by Nora Awolowo under Rixel Studios. In cinemas June 6th.
A Very Thin Line – a psychological social drama that explores mental health. In cienmas 4th July 2025.
Revelations – A gripping drama that explores the complexities of faith and redemption. 15th August 2025 debut date.
Serpent Gift – August 25th
5 Major Business Headlines To Know
Here are news updates that happened these past few weeks:
A Message from Biodun Stephens
Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen is set to captivate audiences once again with her latest drama, I AM Anis, co-produced by David Wade Productions and Shutterspeed Projects, which is slated to premiere exclusively on circuits.tv on March 21, 2025.
Inspired by true events, the film follows the story of Anisola Williams, portrayed by the talented Shaffy Bello, whose seemingly perfect day spirals into chaos, unearthing long-buried truths that threaten to upend her life.
Known for her ability to weave relatable human experiences into compelling narratives, Stephen collaborates with co-writer Mannie Oiseomaye to deliver a story that promises emotional depth, dramatic twists, and a core social message of “Nudge Don’t Judge”
With a stellar cast including Charles Inojie, Rykardo Agbor, and Tina Mba, I AM Anis is poised to be another testament to Stephen’s knack for blending authenticity with cinematic flair. This title also marks the second direct-to-streaming release of a Biodun Stephen title to the newly launched streamer.
Grind Season 2 – Prime Video Release
Fans of Grind can now bookmark March 7, 2025, as the debut release date for a brand-new season of the show.
Created and executive produced by Roberta Orioma, with The Clan Production Studios driving production, the series follows Tarela, a tenacious young woman navigating the brutal realities of Lagos. Directed by Orire Nwani and Joshua Tso-Tso and co-produced by Josh Olaoluwa and Orioma, this season plunges deeper into Tarela’s struggles, spotlighting her sacrifices and the weight of her family’s survival as she forges her path.
Roberta Orioma calls Grind a mirror to life’s struggles and resilience, and Season 2 aims to prove it with sharper arc stories and bolder moves. After its debut season hooked viewers, this next chapter promises to keep them glued with Tarela’s unrelenting hustle.
Reel Love is Charting High For February Rom-Drama-Coms
Nollywood’s Reel Love, released on February 14, 2025, has surged to the top of the Valentine’s season box office, outpacing all previous February releases from 2021 to 2024 with a staggering ₦122.65 million opening weekend. Marking Timini Egbuson’s producing debut and directed by Kayode Kasum, the film’s fusion of romance, drama, and comedy has hooked audiences, bolstered by a cast featuring Funke Akindele, Shaffy Bello, and Bimbo Ademoye.
By its second weekend, its earnings had soared to ₦190.38 million, positioning it as a contender for the highest-grossing Nollywood rom-com ever. The movie’s early success signals a shift in Nollywood’s February game. Outpacing past Valentine’s releases, it’s on track to be the highest-grossing romantic film from the 2021-2025 window by next month. With its relatable story and big-name cast, Reel Love taps into the season’s romantic pull, drawing crowds nationwide.
Otera/Blue Pictures – Avaz Launch
OTTera and Blue Pictures just launched AVAZ on February 17, Nigeria’s first FAST channel streaming free Nollywood hits with ads. Led by Joy Efe Odiete, it’s live on Hisense TV VIDAA Channels, VIDAA TV in South Africa, and AfrolandTV, with more platforms coming. Stephen L. Hodge of OTTera says it’s a game-changer for African entertainment, while Odiete calls it Nollywood’s premium showcase.
AVAZ shakes up streaming by ditching subscriptions for ad-supported viewing, putting Nollywood in more homes. With South Africa buzzing and expansion ahead, it’s a fresh revenue boost for filmmakers and a spotlight for talent. Launched this month, AVAZ is Nollywood’s bold step into the digital future—free and fierce!
By The Numbers:
The number of Nollywood movie releases coming in March is bulking up 15 titles: I am Anis
Grind Season 2
Suky
Finding Me
Baby Farm
Cartel
Red Line
Cursed Bonds
The Masked King
Labake Olododo
Gone
Everything Light Touches
The Good Shepherd
Dide
The Yard
Our Husband
Under the Radar:
Harvesters Church has officially stepped into the world of filmmaking with its debut movie, “You May Only Kiss The Bride”, which premiered exclusively on YouTube via HarvestersTV on February 14, 2025. The 100,000-member strong church founded by Pastor Bolaji Idowu premiered the film after a Sunday service and implored members to go see the faith-based film.
Led by Daniel Etim Effiong and Ariyike Dimples, this film promises a heartfelt exploration of love, relationships, and the transformative journey of spiritual growth and healing. Billed as a must-watch for both singles and couples, the movie arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day, offering viewers a meaningful alternative to the usual romantic fare.
This interesting commission shows how new generation churches are now moving into the realm of Nollywood to speed the good gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I am watching: Ada Omo Daddy
Africa in Focus:
Iyanu, an animated superhero series by Roye Okupe, adapted from his graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder (YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics), hits multiple platforms in 2025.
Set in Yorubaland, it blends Nigerian culture, music, and mythology as Iyanu, a teenage orphan voiced by Serah Johnson, unlocks divine powers to stop an ancient curse. Joined by friends Biyi (Okey Jude), Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi), and a mystical leopard, Ekun, she battles to save her people.
Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the series premieres April 5 on Cartoon Network in the U.S., streams on Max April 6, lands on Showmax across 44 African countries June 13, and arrives on ITVX in the UK by summer.
The all-Nigerian cast—Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello, and Ike Ononye—grounds Iyanu in cultural authenticity. Following a trailer drop this month, it’s poised to reach kids and fans worldwide, from Nigeria to the UK, showcasing Nollywood’s growing animation muscle. Iyanu could redefine the game when it lands.
Business Trade Press:
Netflix has committed to invest $1 billion in Mexico for the production of series and films over the next four years, meaning from 2025 through 2028, co-CEO Ted Sarandos said during a press conference with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“This investment, and the productions derived therefrom, will benefit Mexican production companies and will contribute to the growth of the local audiovisual industry and the creation of opportunities nationwide,” the streaming giant said.
Next Week’s Anticipation: March Premieres
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