The Story⚡
Nollywood has hit the ground running with the release of the following titles this January.
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Nollywood Filmmakers started the year with a big bang as they set up to release 8 thrilling movies and TV shows this January. Here are the anticipated titles for the month of January.
To Freedom
To Freedom is a mental health based film, written by Biodun Stephen. The synopsis reads
“Tobi, a very loving husband, is torn apart when his wife Shola goes missing after a regular market run. This takes a toll on him until he gets unexpected information that changes his life forever.”
This psychological drama stars Daniel Etim Effiong, Beverly Osu, Osas Ighodaro, Kevwe Ogunje, Jide Kososko, and Elvina Ibru.
To Freedom will have a theatrical release on the 13th of January 2023
The Trade
The Trade is a Nigerian film inspired by true events, it follows a fast-paced crime drama on kidnap for ransom in Nigeria. Written by Jadesola Osiberu and produced by Foresight Global Films, The Trade tells the story of Dike Maduka, aka Eric, a notorious genius billionaire kidnapper, who has evaded arrest for two decades, and the high-stakes investigation into his activities led by a fast-rising police officer and head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Superintendent Khalid Abubakar.
Directed by Jade Osiberu, the movie stars Chiwetalu Agu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Rita Dominic, Kelechi Udegbe, Gideon Okeke, Gregory Ojefua, Charles Inojie, Ali Nuhu, Denola Grey, Stan Nze, Waje, Shawn Faqua, among others. Release date January 13th 2023
The Wait
The Wait is a 2021 Nigerian faith based drama film directed by Yemi Morafa and Fiyin Gambo. The film stars Nse Ikpe Etim, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jimmy Odukoya, Ini Dima-Okojie, Meg Otanwa, Chimezie Imo and Aisha Sanni-Shittu in the lead roles. The film is based on God’s Waiting Room, a faith-based book written by prominent Nigerian lawyer Yewande Zaccheaus.
The Wait had its theatrical release in April 2021 and would be released on Netflix on the 13th of January 2023.
Mami Wata
Written and directed by C.J. Obasi, Mami Wata is a black and white African folklore picture. This drama fantasy weaves a story on two sisters who must fight to save their people and restore the glory of a mermaid goddess to the land, when the harmony in a village is threatened by outside elements
Mami Wata will experience its first premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, on the 19th of January.
Shanty Town
Directed by Dimeji Ajibola and produced by Giant Creative Media, Champion One Entertainment, as well as Minini Empire Production, Shanty Town was originally intended to be a feature-length movie. Shanty Town is a 6-part series that follows the story of three Lagos State hustlers who unite to wage war against the biggest and most ruthless crime ring in the state.
Created by Xavier Ighorodje and Chichi Nworah, the show will see a global debut, exclusive to the streaming platform (Netflix) on January 20, 2023.
The series gathers an ensemble of Nollywood icons that includes Chidi Mokeme (Scar), Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ini Edo, Nse ikpe-Etim, Shola Shobowale, Shaffy Bello, Ali Nuhu, and Uche Jombo. It also stars newer stars like Zubby Michael, Nancy Isime, Yaw Naija, Omowunmi Dada, Mercy Eke, Shola Sobowale, Regina Daniels, Judith Audu and Peter Okoye of P-Square.
Release date January 20th 2023
Pretty Evil
Directed by Great-Valentine Edochie, and produced by Yvonne Chioma Ajoku, Pretty Evil reads
Trouble comes in heels,sass and irresistible eyes. Her name….? *ESINDA*
The film stars Linda Osifo, Efa Iwara, Ameh Lucy, Pere Egbi, and a host of others. The movie will have a theatrical release on the 27th January.
Brotherhood
Crime Thriller Brotherhood is returning to our screens this January with a bang on Prime Video. The film follows two brothers who fall on opposite sides of the law after years of fighting to survive on the streets of Lagos. The bonds of brotherhood are put to the ultimate test as one joins a Taskforce that hunts down the other and his gang.
Brotherhood is a Nigerian crime-action thriller produced by Jade Osiberu and starring Tobi Bakre, Boma Akpore, Falz, Basketmouth, Sam Dede, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Toni Tones, Zubby Micheal, Mr Macaroni and a host of others.
Prime Video subscribers will be able to view this thriller from the 27th of January.
All Na Vibes
Taiwo Egunjobi’s All Na Vibes follows the lives of three teenagers and a hit-man intertwined in a tale of violence and loss.
The drama is written by Isaac Ayodeji and stars Molawa Davis, Tega Ethan, Jide Kosoko, Tolu Osaile, and Tope Tedela. It will have a Netflix release on the 27th January 2023.
Wura
Showmax’s Original telenovela Wura is set against the backdrop of the gold mining industry in the Iperindo community of Osun state. Wura tells the story of Wura-Amoo Adeleke, a perfect wife, a loving mother of two, and the ruthless Chief Executive Officer of the fictional Frontline Gold Mine.
The drama stars Nollywood veterans and upcomers, including fast-rising Nollywood star, Scarlet Gomez, who is cast as the lead Wura Amoo-Adeleke, popular Nollywood Yoruba actor, Yomi Fash-Lansowho plays Anthony Amoo-Adeleke and Nollywood veteran, Carol Kingas Grace Adeleke.
Wura will debut on Showmax on Monday, 26 January 2023, with four episodes weekly.
Tangent
Nigerian filmmakers have set the ball rolling this year with an impressive list of both cast, crew and storyline. A number of Nollywood movies in 2022 advanced the film industry, some away from the traditional cinema route. From more authentic and original stories based on African traditions and culture to signing major partnerships deals with international streaming platforms, the film and TV industry saw a number of movies push and engrave its position on the global map. With the list of movies slated for this month, it is evident that 2023 is off to a good start for movie goers and filmmakers.
In Summary
Evidently, the Nigerian Film/TV industry is off to a great start, and it is expected that a lot more film projects and deals will be delivered and signed throughout the year.
The big question still remains, in the year 2023, who will lead the battle of the streamers? How many new projects will snatch the attention of movie lovers at the box office?
And lastly, how will the audiences receive them?
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