Nollywood films redefine production with hits like My Mother Is A Witch, Ori, and After 30, showing major growth in storytelling and global appeal
Nigeria’s moviedom has witnessed a steady rise in the quality of films being released, with several standout productions redefining storytelling and craftsmanship in the industry.
Also read: From Screen To Street: Hit YouTube Show ‘My Tasty Naija’ Launches First-Ever Food Festival in London
From indigenous language narratives to internationally screened dramas, these Nollywood films redefine production standards in bold and refreshing ways.
One such film is My Mother Is A Witch, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan.
The drama stars Efe Irele, Mercy Aigbe, Timini Egbuson, and Neo Akpofure.
It follows a fashion editor who returns from London to confront haunting childhood memories in Benin, unraveling deep secrets buried within her relationship with her mother.
The film blends emotional tension with authentic cultural backdrops, offering a layered narrative of trauma, reconciliation, and the strength it takes to forgive.
Another notable title is Imported Wives, directed by Pascal Atuma.
It attempts to explore the emotional and cultural consequences of migration-driven marriages—a subject relevant across continents.
While its ambition is evident, the film’s execution has sparked criticism for its lack of narrative depth and troubling thematic treatment.
Despite that, it ignites an important conversation about the pressure and complexities faced by African migrants navigating cross-cultural relationships.
The drama After 30 takes a closer look at women navigating life’s evolving challenges in their thirties.
The film blends emotional tension with authentic cultural backdrops, offering a layered narrative of trauma, reconciliation, and the strength it takes to forgive.
Starring Damilola Adegbite, Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa, and Anee Icha, the film paints a nuanced portrait of career ambition, love, and self-rediscovery.
After 30 gained international attention with an official screening at the NollywoodWeek Film Festival in Paris on May 8, 2025, where it received a warm reception from global audiences.
Indigenous-language filmmaking continues to flourish with Ori, a Yoruba-language film that reinforces the importance of identity and cultural pride.
Written, directed, and produced by Muyiwa Ademola, Ori stars a powerhouse trio—Toyin Abraham, Sola Sobowale, and Odunlade Adekola.
The film’s gripping storyline and high production value have made it a fan favourite in cinemas, proving that language is no barrier to great storytelling when authenticity is prioritised.
Meanwhile, The Party, an independently produced series by Ope Ajayi under Captain of Sea Productions, adds a different flavour to the 2025 film lineup.
Originally conceived as a feature film, it evolved into a vibrant episodic series directed by Yemi Morafa.
With a cast that includes Shaffy Bello, Uzor Arukwe, Mide Martins, Kunle Remi, and James Gardiner, the series features strong performances by Tope Olowoniyan, Ben Touitou, and Ray Adeka.
The debut of Eva Ibiam also draws attention as one of the freshest faces to watch in Nollywood’s new era.
These productions reflect a major shift in the Nigerian film industry, where creators are not only pushing technical boundaries but also engaging deeply with issues of identity, modern womanhood, intergenerational conflict, and diaspora realities.
As the industry responds to the growing demand for diverse stories both locally and abroad, it becomes clear that Nollywood films redefine production not just through visual quality, but through brave, globally resonant storytelling.
Also read: Nollywood Stars Embrace YouTube in Bold Move to Bypass Traditional Platforms
With international screenings, increased investment in indigenous languages, and a surge of bold new voices, Nollywood continues to assert itself as a global cinema force.
