Nollywood standout films 2025 include My Father’s Shadow, Makemation, and Osamede, three daring cinematic projects that redefined the industry’s global potential
Something is shifting in Nollywood. And if you have been paying attention this quarter, you would have probably felt it too.
Also read: Nollywood Films Redefine Production with Bold Themes and Global Recognition
The second quarter of 2025 has delivered a trio of Nigerian films that didn’t just make waves but reshaped expectations.
From a quiet father-son reckoning that stunned Cannes juries, to a bold leap into AI storytelling, to an epic fantasy rooted in ancient Benin mythology, My Father’s Shadow, Makemation, and Osamede are proving that Nollywood is not just growing.
It is evolving. Let’s unpack why these three films have been the ones to watch.
My Father’s Shadow
This film made headlines and history. Directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker, Akinola Davies Jr., it became the first Nigerian film ever selected for the Official Selection at Cannes, screening under the ‘Un Certain Regard’ category.
That alone would have been enough. But then it went further, earning a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or, the prize for best first feature.
What is the film about? It is set over the course of a single day in Lagos during the chaos of Nigeria’s annulled 1993 elections, two young boys are brought by their estranged father into the city.
Through the eyes of these kids, a father’s contradictions, a family’s grief, and a nation’s fragility were laid bare—all subtly entwined.
Critics adored it. The Guardian called it “subtle and intelligent.” IndieWire gave it a solid B+.
And global streaming platform Mubi scooped it up even before its Cannes premiere, ensuring that global audiences will soon witness its melancholic magic.
Makemation:
Now for something completely different. On April 18, Makemation hit Nigerian cinemas—and hit big.
The first Nollywood film to center around artificial intelligence, it stars Shaffy Bello, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Tomi Ojo in a moving story about a girl in rural Lagos who builds an AI-powered app to solve problems in her community.
Yes, it is a tech film. But it is not just about the tech. It is also about family, innovation, grief, and ambition.
And it connected with viewers and the box office. Makemation raked in ₦32.9 million in just four days, and over ₦88 million within four weeks of its theatrical run..
The film had already made the rounds at tech events in Riyadh, Nairobi, and Lagos, so anticipation was high.
But it exceeded expectations. Audiences called it “relatable and inspiring.”
Critics praised its heart. And Nollywood fans? They were thrilled to see sci-fi grounded in real Nigerian realities.
Osamede:
And then there’s Osamede, which gave Q2 one of its boldest, most visually-rich offerings.
Having premiered at the Cannes Film Market in May, this historical fantasy dives deep into the mythos of the Benin Kingdom, following a young orphan girl who discovers she possesses the powers of the sacred Aruosa stone.
With those powers, she must rise to confront colonial invaders threatening her people.
Directed by James Omokwe and produced by Lilian Olubi, Osamede is Nollywood’s confident leap into fantasy filmmaking.
The visuals are lush, the stakes are high, and the narrative is steeped in African history and lore.
Also read: These Nollywood Movies Are Coming To Your Screens
Critics and buyers at Cannes took notice. While it wasn’t in the official competition like My Father’s Shadow, Osamede held its own at the global marketplace, showing international distributors that Nigerian fantasy storytelling is ready for the world stage.
