It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or almost?
It’s only November, but what are your plans for December? Family, fun, friends, and movies, right?
For those traveling to Nigeria for the holidays and for others who are home-based, check out a list of Nigerian films you should see this Christmas.
The Bridge by Kunle Afolayan: By now, you already know that Kunle Afolyan is one of the most respected filmmakers on the continent. His body of work includes Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, The CEO, Omugwo, Roti, The Tribunal. Earlier in the year, Kunle collaborated with Africa Magic to produce, “Omugwo” featuring Patience Ozokwor, “Roti” featuring Kate Henshaw and “The Tribunal” featuring Omotola Jalade. “The Bridge” is Kunle’s latest feature is an all-inclusive Nollywood production, featuring “Project Fame Winner & songbird – Chidinma Ekile, October 1 actor- Ademola Adedoyin, Zack Orji, Tina Mba, Jimoh Aliu (Aworo), Lere Paimo (Eda Onile Ola), Wole Olowomojuore (Baba Gebu) and Olajumoke Ray Eyiwunmi (Mama Ray) Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) and Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero).
Synopsis
The Bridge – a Yoruba prince and Stella, a young lady from a distinguished Igbo family are a couple whose relationship is threatened by tribal prejudice and parental plans for each’s life. When the couple secretly weds against their parents’ wishes, the consequence shakes the very foundation and sustenance of both families.
The Wedding Party 2 by Niyi Akinmolayan: If you saw “The Wedding Party” last year and enjoyed Sola Sobowale’s theatrics, chances are, you’re going to love the sequel which features Patience Ozokwor.
The Wedding Party 2 is the sequel to the highest-grossing film in the history of Nigerian cinema. In the original film, notorious bachelor Dozie marries Dunni, a virgin until her wedding day. Against a chaotic and hilarious backdrop of family squabbles and damaging stag-night revelations, they finally say, “I do”.
In the sequel, the groom’s brother, Nonso, has continued his romance with Deirdre, the bridesmaid from London. Somehow, Nonso manages to propose by accident, while on a dinner date, and sets off a chain of events too powerful to stop. Deirdre’s upper-crust British family are against the match, as are some members of the Nigerian clan, but Deirdre’s determination can’t be contained. After a near-disastrous introduction ceremony in Lagos and Nigerian opposition to a London wedding, both families reluctantly agree to a wedding in Dubai, setting us off on another colourful, chaotic and memorable journey to everlasting love.
With the cast of the original film returning for another wedding, and the addition of Patience Ozorkwo the sequel to this promises to be even more colourful.
“POTATO POTAHTO” by Shirley Frimpong-Manso & Inya Lawal
Inya Lawal, founder of Ascend Talent Management and Shirley Frimpong-Manso multiple-award winning producer, merged creative minds to produce this engaging romantic comedy titled ‘Potato Potahto’.
The movie screened at the Cannes Film Festival in France, earlier in May and will be in Nigerian,Ghanaian and South African cinemas from the 24th of November.
Synopsis
Potato Potahto is about a divorced couple who decide to share equal space in their ex-matrimonial home and soon realize that the ingenious idea is easier said than done. Bent on flexing their egos and scoring points, the two implore various hilarious tactics that soon inflames emotions and turns an already complicated situation into a roller coaster ride.
The movie, which has an unexpected plot twist, comedy gold, and a stellar lineup – OC Ukeje, Joselyn Dumas, Joke Silva, Chris Attoh, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Blossom Chukwujekwu among others.
Potato Potahto is already set to be one movie that will keep people talking for a long time.
“Guyn Man” by Loden Entertainment Ltd
“Guyn Man,” is a witty romantic-comedy that focuses on the lives of college best friends Anaya Ekiye and Ikechukwu Mordi Jnr., The story is woven around their simple yet complex friendship/ relationship and raises the question: ‘Can friends be in love and not know it?’
The movie stars Jimmy Odukoya, Adunni Ade, Ben Lugo Touitou, Keira Hewatch, Bucci Franklin, Tope Olowoniyan, Lolo Eremie, Ireti Doyle, Chico Aligekwe among others.
“Guyn Man” opens in cinemas on December 1, 2017.
“Christmas is Coming” by Ufuoma McDermott
Christmas is definitely coming early this year as Nollywood actress, producer, and director Ufuoma McDermott set to storm the cinema with her latest movie titled ‘Christmas is coming’. With Christmas just a few weeks away, this movie plans to put you right in the mood for the season.
The movie which follows the story of a slobby tomboy (Ufuoma McDermott) who has a string of ill-luck after being transformed to a “Lady” by her mischievous flatmates (Mary Lazarus, Izzie Otaigbe) just a few days to Christmas. She unintentionally falls in love quickly and has to deal with its immediate consequences is definitely worth the anticipation as it will no doubt thrill and wow you.
Written, Produced and Directed by Ufuoma McDermott, the romantic comedy stars talented and popular actors such as, Sola Sobowale, Chioma Akpotha, Zack Orji, Deyemi Okanlanwon, Mary Lazarus, Gregory Ojefua, Michael Okon, Izzie Otaigbe, Odenike Odetola and more.
Nollywood Observer 