By Olayinka Akanbi
Between July and September 2025, Nollywood’s status as one of the most vibrant film industries in the world was reaffirmed, rolling out a series of productions that not only entertained but also pushed the limits of storytelling.
From intense dramas to adrenaline-pumping thrillers, the third quarter of 2025 treated audiences to a cinematic experience that showcased Nigeria’s evolving creative spirit and its expanding presence on the global stage.
Also read: Nollywood Takes Centre Stage at TIFF 2025
The quarter opened with Cordelia, released nationwide on July 18 through FilmOne. Directed and produced by veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani, the film is based on a novella by Professor Femi Osofisan and revisits the turbulence of Nigeria’s early 1990s military era.
With Omowunmi Dada in the title role and William Benson as Professor Adekunle Benson, the film explores themes of silence, betrayal, and moral courage.
Cordelia grossed about ₦6.4 million in its opening week across 51 cinemas, a modest but notable performance for a politically charged drama, underscoring the role of the NFVCB in enabling more culturally ambitious films to reach cinemas.
That same day, Netflix released ‘To Kill a Monkey’, an eight-part crime-thriller created and directed by Kemi Adetiba. Starring William Benson, Bimbo Akintola, Stella Damasus, and Chidi Mokeme, the series tackled themes of cybercrime, survival, and moral compromise in a digital age.
Within a week, it broke into the Netflix UK Top 10, reaching No. 9, signalling Nollywood’s ability to create binge-worthy, globally resonant series content.
A week later, on July 25, ‘Dark Path’ premiered in Nigerian cinemas after its international debut in Canada.
Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Femi Adebayo, and featuring Femi Adebayo, Sola Sobowale, Broda Shaggi, and Yetunde Adeyemi, the thriller unfolded as a tense meditation on betrayal, sacrifice, and destiny.
On August 1, ‘Hakeem: Seeking Justice’ hit cinemas nationwide.
This action-packed story of loss, revenge, and redemption follows an ex-soldier who returns home to face the heartbreaking reality of his family’s murder, compelling him to fight for justice against all odds. The film raked in ₦23 million during its opening weekend.
On the same day, ‘Closure Mandate’, a heartfelt drama based on real-life events, was released via Prime Video.
It told a touching story filled with heartbreak, betrayal, and the tough yet essential path to healing.
Its reception underscored how deeply personal stories rooted in Nigerian experiences resonate with audiences.
Exactly a week later, on August 8, ‘Finding Nina’ made its debut on Amazon Prime Video, marking a significant moment for Nollywood’s presence in the streaming world.
Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya, the film takes us on a journey through Northern Nigeria, diving deep into themes of memory, identity, and cultural rediscovery.
Its global release ensured that Nigerian stories reached audiences both in the diaspora and around the world.
On August 22, ‘Sin: Final Blackout’ was released worldwide on Prime Video.
The thriller highlighted Nollywood’s ability to deliver compelling serial storytelling, a trait that has become the hallmark of the second largest film industry in the world (by output).
It casts Jim Iyke, Toni Tones, Chidi Mokeme, Shaffy Bello, Patrick Doyle, Yemi Blaq, Chimezie Imo, and Toke Makinwa.
As the month wrapped up, cinemas showcased Kayode Kasum’s ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ on August 29, a mystery-drama that reflects on themes of inheritance, family, tradition, and survival.
Suspenseful yet rich in cultural significance, the film further established Kasum’s reputation as a director with both versatility and depth, making it one of the standout releases of the quarter.
It earned ₦26 million in its first week in Nigerian cinemas.
Finally, the quarter moved into September with ‘My Father’s Shadow’, which hit theatres in Nigeria on September 19 after making a splash at Cannes.
Directed by Akinola Davies Jr, the film explored themes of identity, nationhood, and the memories passed down through generations, earning widespread praise as a groundbreaking work that successfully merged art-house credibility with mainstream appeal.
Also read: ‘My Father’s Shadow’: Elevating Nollywood At Cannes Film Festival
The film was the highest-grossing Nigerian movie in its opening weekend.
