A new generation of creative Nigerian movie directors is drawn to Nollywood and is revolutionising African filmmaking.
These up-and-coming filmmakers are poised to influence the industry’s future as we move towards 2025 with innovative projects and distinctive viewpoints.
This article highlights the Nigerian filmmakers expected to rule the big screen in the upcoming year.
1. Daniel Oriahi – The Bold Visionary
Daniel Oriahi.
Oriahi, a director who isn’t scared to push artistic boundaries, is recognised for his work on the critically praised Taxi Driver (Oko Ashewo), his second feature film. It was chosen for the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and was the third highest-grossing Nollywood film in Nigerian theatres in 2015.
Daniel’s second and third feature films, including Sylvia, are also available on Netflix. He is also the founder and chief executive officer of the Lagos-based House5 Production.
2. Ema Edosio – The Voice of Realism
Ema Edosio.
Edosio has made a name for herself by narrating tales of common Nigerians with a touch of realism.
In 2007, she worked for a film production firm called 66 Dimension. Later, she worked as an editor at the BBC, EbonyLife TV, Hip Hop TV, and Clarence Peters at Capital Dreams Pictures.
Ema went back to school in Abuja to further her studies in cinematography. She has directed her debut movie, Kasala and produced numerous films, including “Joy Ride” and “Ochuko.”
With her trademark humour and genuineness, her following projects are anticipated to delve deeper into societal concerns.
3. CJ Obasi – The Genre Master
CJ Obasi.
Obasi is renowned for making films that transcend genres, such as thrillers, fantasy, and horror.
His debut movie, Ojuju, was a zero-budget production that won Best Nigerian Film at the Africa International Film Festival in November 2014.
Additionally, it earned him the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Trailblazer of the Year title in March 2015.
His third feature, Mami Wata, won the Special Jury Prize in the World Dramatic Competition for its cinematography when it debuted at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Obasi’s upcoming projects are eagerly awaited and are projected to broaden Nollywood’s creative frontiers even more.
4. Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim – The Advocate for Diversity
Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim.
A filmmaker committed to elevating marginalised perspectives, Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim focuses on narratives that question social conventions. Her next projects are anticipated to use daring storytelling to highlight concerns about identity, equality, and self-expression.
Ikpe-Etim and film producer Pamela Adie gained notoriety in Nigeria in 2020 for their work on the movie Ìfé. The film chronicles the story of two women’s love and was Ikpe-Etim’s first time directing.
Although Ìfé is not the first lesbian-themed movie made in Nigeria, it is the first to depict such a relationship in a usual way, free from bias and preconceptions. The main actors, the director, and the producer are all LGBT people from Nigeria. Ikpe-Etim identifies as queer.
5. Tope Alake – The Commercial Hitmaker
Tope Alake has established a reputation for producing hits sure to please audiences, from Picture Perfect to Hire a Woman. Throughout a multi-year career, Tope, the CEO and founder of The Casting Place, has directed various captivating films that have left a lasting impression on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
His ability to successfully combine comedy, drama, and romance guarantees that his productions will appeal to domestic and foreign viewers.
In 2017 Picture Perfect received five nominations and won two awards at the 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards for Best Actor in a Lead Role (Bolanle Ninalowo) and Best Use of Food in a Film.
6. Biodun Stephen – Mastering Emotional Dramas
Biodun Stephen has a reputation for drawing inspiration for her movie titles from the names of the major characters, such as Tiwa’s Baggage, Ovy’s Voice, Ehi’s Bitters, and Sobi’s Mystic.
Her emotionally driven narratives in films like Breaded Life and Progressive Tailors Club continue to enthral viewers.
Her debut movie, The Visit, received two nominations at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Lagos. She also worked with Tope Alake on the award-winning film Picture Perfect.
Biodun won the Best Director award at the 2016 Maya Awards (Africa). Because of her excellent storytelling and character development skills, she will be a force in 2025.
7. Kayode Kasum – The King of Versatility
Kayode Kasum.
Kasum’s work crosses several genres, from romantic dramas to socially concerned films like This Lady Called Life and Soole.
In 2017, he released his debut feature film, Dognapped, Nigeria’s first live-action animated film. However, he became popular for his 2018 film Oga Bolaji. He has also produced several Nollywood films, such as Sugar Rush and Toyin Abraham’s Fate of Alakada.
With nearly ₦767 million, he is also the fourth highest-grossing director in Nigeria.
He received recognition in 2023 for directing Afamefuna, Far From Home, and Something Like Gold.
His future ventures will delight a variety of audiences due to his ability to transition between themes effortlessly.
8. Damilola Orimogunje – The Artistic Innovator
Damilola Orimogunje.
The filmmaker with a talent for beautiful imagery and emotional depth, has dominated his films around love, betrayal, depression, and death themes.
As a filmmaker, his short films have won honours for Best Short and Best Actor and have been chosen and screened at more than 40 film festivals, such as Film Africa, Luxor African Film Festival, The African Film Festival, African International Film Festival, and Pan African Film Festival.
In November 2020, his first feature film, For Maria Ebun Pataki, won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at Film Africa. The movie received six nominations at the esteemed AMAA awards, including Best Writing and Best Directing.
His upcoming ventures are anticipated to explore cultural and personal narratives further.
READ ALSO: 7 Power-Packed Nollywood Movies to Watch This December 2024
How to Support These Upcoming Directors
Watch Their Films
Watching the work of up-and-coming directors, whether at theatres, film festivals, or on streaming services, is one of the finest ways to support them.
Share Their Stories
Promote these directors and their initiatives using social media and word-of-mouth. Visibility is the secret to their success.
Attend film festivals
Many of these directors have their films premiered at film festivals. Attending such events is an excellent method of getting involved with their work and encouraging their development.
