The year 2023 was such an important moment for Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. This year, the productions churned out emphasised the leaps local filmmakers have attained through strategic collaboration with film industries globally, as well as their sheer audacity to dream and challenge the status quo, as a result, capturing the attention of a range of stakeholders in other well-established film industries such as Hollywood. Iyke Bede captures 10 of such films and series
Eras in popular culture are significantly marked by trends in the entertainment landscape-from the style of music that goes mainstream to the latest fashion and lifestyle adopted, to how filmmakers choose to impact audiences through storytelling that mirrors contemporary issues.
Each year, filmmakers meticulously capture these cultural journeys, usually with the help of the ever-dynamic nature of technology in cinematography, to tell and retell stories in a more visually striking manner.
2023 was not short of such moments in the Nigerian film industry monikered as Nollywood. If anything, their productions emphasised the leaps local filmmakers have attained through strategic collaboration with film industries globally, as well as their sheer audacity to dream and challenge the status quo, as a result, capturing the attention of a range of stakeholders in other well-established film industries such as Hollywood.
Ten films and series have left a lasting impact in 2023, not only as commercial successes but also garnering praise from most critics.
Wura (Series)
Based on the South African telenovela ‘The River,’ ‘Wura’ launched in January 2023 for its pilot season and recorded 100 episodes in July, becoming a flagship show on the Showmax app.
With a five-man directorial team, the show explores the double life of Wura (played by Scarlet Gomez) as she navigates the mining world while maintaining a pristine reputation within her family. But aside from Gomez playing the lead role, the series manages to address other sociocultural issues, little wonder it is a hot topic discussed by netizens every weekday.
Real Housewives of Lagos (Series)
This is another Showmax series that garnered so much social media buzz with its sophomore season after it debuted in 2022. The series is a local version of the international franchise ‘The Real Housewives,’ chronicling the relationships of eight wives and lovers of high-profile individuals.
Like the international versions, RHOLagos boasts a considerably high SHU (scoville heat unit) rating steeped in gossip, drama, and sheer opulence that helped it break streaming records on the platform.
Shanty Town (Series)
Holding the record for the most streamed Nigerian title on Netflix between January and June with 27.3 million hours watched, the thriller series exposing the underground world of human trafficking and corruption in politics quickly captured the attention of many movie lovers who were quick to draw parallels.
Undoubtedly, the impressive portrayal of Scar by Chidi Mokeme surely did a number on everyone’s psyche.
Far from Home (Mini-series)
Released in December of last year, ‘Far From Home’ introduces an aspiring artist torn between peddling drugs for a cartel and actualising his dreams of travelling to London to become an apprentice under the tutelage of a respected artist.
Set in the fictional Wilmer Academy, no one is safe from the ire of Oga Rambo, a ruthless cartel head, making this series a binge-watcher paradise.
Mami Wata (Film)
Shot in black and white, C.J. Obasi delivers a resplendent visual experience —adorned by intricately crafted costumes — to audiences to earn a 100 per cent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Adding to its appeal as a highly critically acclaimed work, it was selected as Nigeria’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards but did not make the shortlist. It also gained a nod in the Best International Film category at the 39th Independent Spirit Awards.
The Origin: Madam Koi Koi (Two-part film)
Maintaining the number one spot on the Netflix Nigerian chart for weeks, this beautiful retelling of the mythical figure Madam Koi Koi gains new life through the directorial lens of Jay Jituboh who masterfully unravels all her layers of ‘slow simmer’ style. In Jituboh’s attempt to establish a globally referenced figure in the ranking of Houdini and BigFoot, this writer reckons he’s on the right path.
Blood Vessel (Film)
A case of multiple misfortunes steeped in unbridled conundrums, ‘Blood Vessel’ recounts the plights of an impoverished community nestled in an area affected by an oil spill and the resulting violence that sends a group of youngsters to seek greener pastures.
While visually compelling, it reflects the realities of current-day Nigeria and the ‘Japa’ (brain drain) syndrome.
A Tribe Called Judah (Film)
Currently holding the title of highest grossing film this year, earning N400 million in 12 days, ‘ATCD’ waltz onto this list with the charisma of a filmmaker that has proven her ‘commercial’ mettle with two previous successful titles: ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga,’ and ‘Battle on Buka Street.’
Gangs of Lagos (Series)
When a series captures the attention of residents in the actual state where its fictional character is set, then it is certain to have made a bold statement.
‘Gangs of Lagos’ mirrors the political setting in Nigeria’s megacity, throwing light on the emotional and psychological impact of political dynamics on its residents. The show captures the attention of locals by presenting a narrative that feels intimately connected to the lived experiences of those in Lagos. As viewers engage with the series, they find a compelling exploration of socio-political themes that not only entertain but also prompt contemplation on the realities of their own lives.
Breath of Life (Film)
Released last month, ‘Breath of Life’ is slowly gaining a cult following that will continue into 2024.
The tale woven in ‘Breath of Life’ unfolds as a man confronts a profound loss of purpose. However, his journey takes a transformative turn when he encounters a young man, setting in motion a series of events that reshape his very existence.
