History repeats itself, Nollywood style!
Period films are movies that are set during earlier times. Oftentimes, special effort is required to make period movies. To make them as believable as possible, attention must be paid to every single detail from the costume to the props to the setting and production design.
The biggest film industry in Africa, Nollywood, has not been left out, with several period productions which include; Invasion 1897, October 1st, 76, Half of A Yellow Sun, Swallow, Ageshinkole, Anikulapo, Amina etc.
Here are 5 upcoming Nollywood period films you should expect:
1. Elesin Oba (The King’s Horseman)
This is a screen adaptation of the Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka’s novel. The movie is inspired by true events and is set in the 1940s Oyo Empire. It tells the story of a king’s chief horseman, who succumbs to the lure of beauty and sexual desire on the very evening he is set to die–to fulfil his lifelong debt of ritual suicide to accompany the dead Alaafin to the realm of his ancestors. He derails from a very important generational and spiritual transaction which sets in motion a series of catastrophic events.
Screen played and directed by the late Biyi Bandele, Odunlade Adekola plays the lead role starring alongside; Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, Ajoke Silva, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Brymo and others.
Elesin Oba is set to premiere on Netflix by the 4th of November and will also have a limited cinema run between the 28th of October and to 4th of November.
2. Breath Of Life
Set to be Amazon Prime Video Nollywood’s first feature, the movie tells a faith-based story which follows the story of a man who lost his sense of purpose until an encounter with a young man who changes his life and destiny. It is set to be an inspirational story of life and destiny where one must live to fulfil the purpose and cannot die until it is done.
The Breath of Life is set in the 1950s, the principal photography took place in the historic city of Ibadan. Written and directed by the brain behind God’s calling, BB Sasore, the movie has an impressive list of casts which includes; Wale Ojo as the lead actor, Genoveva Umeh, Chimezie Imo, Eku Edewor, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Demola Adedoyin, Sam Dede Sambasa Nzeribe and Melly Atari.
It is set to primere on Amazon Prime in 2023.
3. 4:4:44
Inspired by true events and set in the 1940s, the psychological drama chronicles the life of two perfect individuals who will have their world rattled after a harrowing event on their wedding night. The ugly head of social prejudice against mental health unfolds in a series of occurrences. This couple must navigate this world full of nightmares either together or independently.
Izu Ojokwu continues with his directorial slate of period films with this project in collaboration with Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi, whilst Richard Mofe-Damijo and Nse Ikpe- Etim serve as the lead actors. The supporting cast includes; Seun Akindele, Efe Irele, Chiwetalu Agu, Shan George, Ali Baba, Blessing Onwukwe, Eric Anderse with special appearances from Teni the Entertainer and Broda Shaggy.
The movie will be available on Prime Video globally from November 2022.
4. Hijack 93
Based on a true-life story with facts from an interview of 3 out of 4 young Nigerians who hijacked a plane in Nigeria in 1993 to protest the annulment of the June 12 elections. The movie is set to give a detailed description of how they hijacked the plane.
The executive producer of Play Network Studios, Charles Okpaleke promised that they will tell the story with everything they have. The movie is in the pre-production process birthing a partnership with the British Film Institute of the UK government.
5. Shina Rambo
Based on true events, Playnetwork studios in collaboration with Ramsey films is also set to deliver an action-packed thriller that is based on a true story of the life of Shina Rambo (Nigeria’s most notorious armed robber in the 90s) who has now repented to be a Pastor.
In a teaser clip, Shina Rambo describes one of his robbery escapades at Third Mainland Bridge which took place for over 4 hours. Ramsey Nouah wears the badge of the director while Chris Odeh functions as the producer.
The movie does not have a release date yet.
#Updated brings you lists, roundups and the latest news on the hottest topics. This edition features 5 highly anticipated Nollywood period films that will be hitting the screens soon.
