Are you looking for a suitable film to watch with your Nigerian parents?
Congratulations! I’ve compiled a list of 6 Nollywood movies “the elders” are likely to enjoy under the careful supervision of their adult children. In other words, you won’t feel like an irresponsible child since these films do not portray violence, raunchy sex scenes, or other things that may offend African parents’ fragile sensibilities and mess with their development. Instead, they all contain an acceptable dose of parent-friendly drama and moral lessons delivered by familiar faces.
Disclaimer: If you’re single at the time of viewing, your parents will probably ask when you’re getting married. What Kept Me Up will not be liable for any resulting gbas gbos the wrong answers may bring.
FYI, as far as Nigerian parents are concerned, there is no right answer to that question.
Lionheart
Lionheart (2018) is the story of Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji), a strong-willed first daughter who wants to lead her father’s transport company after he develops health issues. But she must work hand-in-hand with her uncle, Godswill (Nkem Owoh), whom her father has entrusted to take his place.
This award-winning film showcases the Igbo language and culture, with performances from Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and other veteran actors. But it also strikes a “new-age” balance with younger cast members like Jemima Osunde and artist Phyno, who makes a surprise appearance as Obiora, Adaeze’s musician brother.
Isoken
Isoken (2017) is the right film to watch if your parents are low-key romantics. In this romantic comedy, Isoken (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) gives us a compelling look at what it’s like to be a successful but single woman over the age of 30 in a traditional Edo family. Her parents want her to marry a respectable Edo man, and Osaze (Joseph Benjamin) appears to fit the bill. But Isoken finds herself letting her hair down—or more precisely, taking off her wig—in the presence of Kevin (Marc Rhys), an Oyinbo man who becomes an unconventional romantic interest. Now, she must choose between the two.
The Wedding Party
The Wedding Party (2016) is about the nuptials of Dunni Coker (Adesuwa Etomi-Wellington) and Dozie Onwuka (Banky Wellington). But the story also draws in their parents, friends, the groom’s ex-girlfriend, a random street thug, and just about everybody else, because it is supposed to be the wedding of the year.
From the moment Dunni Coker screams, “Get up here, it’s my wedding day!” In one of the opening scenes, this romantic comedy begins to transform into an odd fever experience for all unmarried adult children bold enough to watch it with their Nigerian parents. Yet, it is the best choice for parents who enjoy owambe and Sola Sobowale.
Sista
In Biodun Stephen’s Sista, Kehinde Bankole plays Vicky (popularly known as Sista), a single mother who cleans houses to raise her two children. Everything turns upside down when Fola (Deyemi Okanlawon), the father of her children, comes back into their lives as a rich, married man, whose home she is tasked with cleaning.
Sista creates a touching family drama with tales of a mother’s love and youthful exuberance, particularly on the part of Sista’s children, who are excited to discover that their father isn’t dead, as they have been told.
Introducing the Kujus
In Introducing The Kujus (2020), we meet a family of five estranged brothers and sisters who haven’t been in the same place together since their mother died.
Mautin (Femi Jacobs), Maupe (Ronke Odusanya), Mauyon (Kunle Remi), Mausi (Bisola Aiyeola), and Maugbe (Timini Egbuson) all have their personal problems, besides the family drama. But, at the heart of the film, there’s a story about love ties, forgiveness, and common misconceptions that siblings form about one another.
If you’re looking for something with chaotic sibling fun, you should definitely introduce this movie to your parents. Be wary of the 2023 sequel.
UNO: The F in Family
Ebuja Njoku’s Uno: The F in Family is another drama that centers on a dysfunctional family when their prodigal son, Junior (Keezyto), returns home after ten years. The main themes of the story are forgiveness and acceptance, as Junior’s parents, Uzuakpundu (Nkem Owoh) and Deaconess (Jennifer Eliogwu), must learn to accept their son’s decision to wed Ruky (Tomi Ojo)—a girl from a different tribe and religion—while he and his siblings struggle to accept one another, despite their flaws.
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