It’s been almost 5 years since COVID-19 began—and even longer since the Ebola outbreak—yet echoes of the pandemic remain in unique ways (or maybe it’s just the economic inflation reminding us of darker times). Lives were lost, lives were changed, and Nollywood was driven to a standstill at the worst of it. But some filmmakers drew inspiration from the uncertainty.
So, I’ve compiled a list of 10 pandemic-themed Nollywood films and series you should know about:
1. 93 Days
Steve Gukas’ 93 Days (2016) is based on the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, which it portrays with a special focus on Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh (Bimbo Akintola) and others who played major roles in stopping the spread of the dangerous disease within the country.
The film bagged six nominations at the 2017 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and earned the Audience Choice title at the 2017 Images of Africa Awards. It is currently streaming on Prime Video.
2. Love in a Pandemic
When Bolanle (Nancy Isime) dials the wrong number, she is connected to the charming Alex (Deyemi Okanlawon), whose “special voice”—and words—–has her thinking he’s the man of her dreams. But can their relationship survive the existence of her boyfriend (Eso Dike), Alex’s persistent ex-girlfriend (Teniola Aladese), and the unfolding pandemic?
Love in a Pandemic (2023) is directed by Akay Mason (Day of Destiny, Elevator Baby), and you can watch it on Prime Video.
3. Love and Seclusion
Love and Seclusion (2023) revolves around a Lagos couple portrayed by Tope Olowoniyan (Weather for Two) and Efa Iwara (Ile Owo). Tola is eager to conceive her first child during the COVID-19 lockdown, but she is unaware of the fact that her husband doesn’t want kids.
Directed by Orire Nwani and written by Clementina Ojie, Love and Seclusion (2023) is a recipient of the 2023 NYC Women’s Fund. It premiered at New York University in February 2024.
4. Lockdown
After a patient is diagnosed with the deadly Holo virus (a fictional disease), six strangers find themselves quarantined in a hospital as turmoil ensues.
Moses Inwang’s Lockdown (2021) is based on the Ebola outbreak of 2014. It stars Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Tony Umez, Jide Kene Achufusi, Ini Dima-Okojie, Sola Sobowale, and other notable actors. Lockdown is available to watch it on Netflix.
5. 37 to Go
37 to Go (2022) is a short film by Lota Chukwu (Now That We’re Married) that follows Didie (Lota Chukwu) and Dozie (Daniel Etim Effiong), a loving couple who have promised to spend 40 years together. What happens when COVID-19 hits and their marriage begins to falter, just 3 years in?
You can find it on YouTube.
6. Just One Call Away (JOCA)
Umanu Elijah’s Just One Call Away (JOCA) (2020) zooms in on Richard (Kunle Remi), a man who displays symptoms of COVID-19 after a trip overseas. His pregnant wife, Kemi (Bolaji Ogunmola), thinks he may have the virus and should contact the NCDC, but Richard is a staunch believer who would rather depend on the word of God (besides, he is afraid that if he goes into an isolation center for treatment, he may never see his family again).
The short film raises awareness on the dangers of the virus, using Richard’s all-too relatable fears of the unknown.
7. Chaos
After Mumaa passes away during the COVID-19 lockdown, her family gathers via an unforgettable Zoom call to read her will.
CHAOS (2020) is an experimental short film written, produced, and directed virtually by Chidinma Igbokweuche (Mmachi). It features Hero Daniels, Adenike Adebayo Esho, Michael Ejoor, and Yimika Owoaje. The film was screened at the 15th Annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) and was an official selection for the 2020 Quibdo Africa Film Festival. You can watch it on YouTube.
8. Pause
Simply put, Pause (2020) can be described as the story of a man (Jammal Ibrahim) who is constantly being chased by suspicious-looking people in a scenic town. But the whole thing is a metaphor that Jammal Ibrahim—who is also the director—describes as “a memorabilia” of his sojourn in Dakar during a bittersweet time in the world (in other words, he thought he was going on a short visit to Senegal but ended up staying for 8 months when the COVID-19 lockdown kicked in). This experimental short film is abstract and suspenseful, but oddly peaceful when all is said and done. You can watch it on YouTube.
9. Unmasked
Unmasked: Leadership, Trust, and COVID-19 in Nigeria (2021) is a three-part feature documentary film that sits firmly in reality. This non-fiction piece explores the outbreak of COVID-19 and its management within the country through conversations with key politicians (Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, etc.), medical personnel (e.g., the National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu), and industry leaders.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Femi Odugbemi, and presented by renowned journalist Kadaria Ahmed, the documentary was sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), MacArthur Foundation, and PLAC. It was screened at the 2021 iREP International Documentary Film Festival.
10. MTV Shuga Alone Together
Despite not being a strictly “Nollywood” project, MTV Shuga Alone Together (2020) is a notable mini-series that focuses on the challenges of young Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigerian stars like Timini Egbuson, Jemima Osunde, Adebukola Oladipupo, and Tomiwa Tegbe reprise their roles in the franchise alongside counterparts from South Africa, Kenya, and Cote d’Ivoire in the self-filmed project written by Tunde Aladese (MTV Shuga) and directed by Nk’iru Njoku (Tinsel). The 70-part series was sponsored by the United Nations and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. It is available on YouTube.
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