In Nigeria, my country, the month of October is a month of freedom (not cosplay or trick-or-treating, freedom). It begins with the commemoration of Independence Day and it’s a month we are nationally conscious of both for the public holiday – if it falls on a weekend like this year’s did, we get three wholesome days – and to celebrate Nigeria or criticize her many misgivings, one of such being the Lekki Massacre of October 2020, when young unarmed Nigerians were shot at by our military for peacefully protesting police brutality. The irony.
As we contemplate our freedom as Nigerians, here are 4 Nollywood Movies to watch this October –
- October 1
Beautifully directed by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, October 1 is an excellent work of cinematographic creativity and expertise. Set in colonial Nigeria, this movie follows the life of Inspector Danladi Waziri (played by the late Sadiq Daba). Inspector Waziri was urgently despatched by the British Colonial Military to unravel the mystery behind a series of murders of young women in Akote Town, Western Nigeria, before October 1, 1960.
“October 1” is a dark psychological thriller that touches on important themes like homosexuality, tribalism, pedophilia, and western imperialism in Nigeria. The director smoothly blends real-life historical events with fiction leaving the viewers curious about what’s fact and fiction.
- Half of a Yellow Sun
Based on a novel of same name “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the movie centers around the relationship between two sisters Olanna (Thandiwe Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose), from a wealthy and politically connected family. After their expensive British English education, both sisters return to a newly independent Nigeria, and their lives are soon caught up in the wildness of the Nigerian Civil War.
This movie really should have been a mini-series because there are so many characters rammed into such a short time. It is a powerful and emotional historical drama with a story that’s crafted and told beautifully.
- ‘76
Directed by Izu Ojukwu, “76” is set six years after the civil war. Joseph Dewa (Ramsey Nouah), a young officer from the Middle Belt, is in a romantic relationship with Suzanne (Rita Dominic). Both living together in an unnamed barracks and expecting a baby, their relationship is strained by Suzanne’s family, who want nothing to do with Dewa’s people. Dewa is accused of playing a role in the unsuccessful 1976 military coup and the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. While dealing with the painful delivery of their child, Suzanne does everything she can to prove her husband’s innocence.
A lot of work was put into the details of this movie. From the costumes to vehicles and even Naira notes used, you get an idea of what Nigeria was like in the 70s. The story is very captivating and relatable even to those who were not born in 1976 or too young to remember this event.
- Collision Course
This movie showcases the lives of two young men: Mide Johnson (Daniel Etim-Effiong), a struggling artiste with a pregnant fiancé, and Officer Magnus (Kelechi Udegbe), a police officer. Though a son of a highly influential man, Mide is kidnapped by TARS officers who rough him up and force him to part with his money at gunpoint. Haunted by this memory, he soon crosses paths with Officer Magnus, a victim of the Nigerian public service system.
“Collision Course” brings up emotions many of us are very familiar with. This is something to keep you on edge and remind you of the police brutality young Nigerians continue to face at the hands of the police.
Praise is a student and freelance writer working out of Nigeria. She loves her wine red and her music Show Dem Camp. You can find her on Instagram @_adunii
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