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Dear Nollywood Screenwriter
Nollywood has had such a great year, hasn’t it? Our titles; short films, features, and series have dominated platforms, bagged several awards, and have made an indelible mark in the world. A mark that says we are here.
C J Obasi’s Mami Wata is the pride of Nigeria and Africa. Matt Zoller Seitz of Roger Ebert says that ‘the film casts a spell, and the spell persists to the end’. The Guardian ends its review of the film by calling it ‘an arresting piece of work’. Tunde Apalowo’s All the Colours of the World are between Black & White splashed colour on the 2023 Nollywood canvas. Carlos Esquives of Cinencuentro says that ‘perhaps it is because of the sobriety with which its events are narrated that makes Babatunde Apalowo’s debut film a different film’. The Black Book, a film by Editi Effiong is aptly described by Scott Roxborough of The Hollywood Reporter as ‘The Nigerian Hit Movie That Broke Netflix’.
Back home, Jade Osiberu’s The Trade and Linda Ikeji’s Dark October, both based on true events, caused stirs. Niyi Akinmolayan’s Anthill gave us the creatively told The House of Secrets and the family-friendly magical realism flick, Mikolo. There are Jade Osiberu’s action flicks, Gangs of Lagos and Brotherhood. Biodun Stephen’s beautiful Big Love and heartfelt Sista. Franklyn Jituboh’s horror flick The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi. Femi Adebayo’s epic Jagun Jagun. Charles Okpaleke’s…
