An April full of movies

The industry is growing and booming, with world class contents and increased collaboration with  global movie stars

April has it all. The month that started with ‘April Fool’ is full of all shades of blockbuster movies from the Nigeria movie industry. From comedy, thriller, action you do not want to miss seeing these movies before the end of the month as more thrilling and blockbuster movies are already lined up for May.

 

Rosemary Etim Bassey

 

Nollywood is one of the top movie industries in the world. There are hundreds of movies released monthly to the delight of Nigerians as the industry competes with top movie industries including Hollywood and Bollywood.

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The industry is growing and booming, with world class contents and increased collaboration with  global movie stars. The screenplay, production and post-production of some movies released or premiered in April stand out. Here are some you should take time to watch.

Eyimofe (This is my Desire): This story tells the struggles of Nigerian youths, the efforts and risks one will be willing to take just to secure a comfortable future. The movie won the best fiction award at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival, Brazil.

Though produced in April 2020 and screened in over 17 countries including USA, Italy, Poland, UK, Spain, Canada, Austria and Germany, it premiered in Nigeria on April 18 before showing in cinemas five days after.

Eyimofe is another demonstration of the exploits of Nigeria producers and directors. Ironically the movie was the director’s, twin brother’s,  debut movie in  the industry and it was selected for festivals in more than 10 countries, including its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2020. It was screened at the London Film Festival.

The movie, also set in Italy and Spain, tells the story of two individuals who are trying to make their lives easier and consider the greener pastures in a foreign country.

The movie was directed by Chuko Esiri and Arie Esiri. It featured prominent and proficient cast including the Late Sadiq Daba, Emmanuel Adeji, Mary Agholor, Jude Akuwudike, Kemi lala Akindoju, and Ejike Asiegbu.

The story tells how Nigerians face the harsh reality of living in an unstable government, leaving them with no choice than to seek greener pastures in foreign countries. It also explains how fate interferes with our daily life decisions, leaving the impression that what will be, will always be.

The Therapist: This movie tells the story of a woman from a broken marriage, which with the support of friends is able to pick up herself and help other women she finds in the same situation. The compelling story centres on the actualities of marriage and relationships, and brings in the question of the rarity of the long-term concept of marriage. The movie also highlights the mental and emotional struggles couples face to make their relationships work. The movie was released in March 2021, it was produced by Esse Odometa and directed by Kayode Kasum. Top Nollywood celebrities like Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Anthony Monjaro, Michelle Dede, Saheed Balogun, Tope Tedela, Shaffy Bello, Toyin Abraham and among others make the list of A-list actor in this blockbuster movie.

La Femme Anjola: The psychological crime thriller with Rita Dominic and Nonso Bassey as its lead characters was released in March 2021. With this movie being the first of its kind, it tells the story of a young man who falls for a woman he cannot have. The woman in question is the wife of a notorious gangster and in the film, it is seen that she displays a level of manipulation therefore having the young man wrapped around her fingers while committing any acts asked of her. It’s not the typical damsel in distress and prince charming as events keep unfolding and showing us each character’s true nature and motive. The movie was directed by Mildred Okwo and written by Tunde Babalola. The movie features other Nollywood stars such as Paul Adams, Jumoke Aderounmu, Browny igboegwu, Shawn Faqua, Chris Iheuwa, Femi Jacobs and Mumbi Maina.

Breaded Life: This comedy saga by Biodun Stephen was released in cinemas in April 2021 and received a warm reception from its audience. The movie, which is a sequel to her previously released “Picture Perfect,” which tells the story of a spoilt young man who wakes up and has no one remembers him except a bread seller. He also finds himself in love with a bread seller, which causes a dispute between him and his mother. This new association with the bread seller opens him up to certain realities of life, he was not accustomed to. This movie also aims to teach the audience compassion and not to take life for granted. Breaded life embodies comedy, romance, humour and drama with Timini Egbuson and Bimbo Ademoye as its lead characters. Other stars include Tina Mba, Jide Kosoko, Bisola Aiyelo, Lizzy Jay, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, Bolanle Ninalowo and Adedimeji Lateef.