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When Nadira Shakur and Serge Noukoué founded the NollywoodWeek Film Festival (NOW) in 2013, their vision was to create a gathering that showcased and celebrated diverse narratives from Nigeria, the African continent, and the African diaspora—particularly by bridging the accessibility gap between these films and the global African diaspora. Twelve years on, much of that vision has been realised through the wide range of films that have screened and become accessible to broader audiences.
The official film selections have now been announced for the festival’s 12th edition, scheduled to take place from May 7–11 in Paris. This year’s programme will unfold over five days at Cinéma l’Arlequin, featuring more than 30 films—including 6 world premieres—from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Cameroon, the United States, and beyond.
The festival opens with The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos and will close with OLÙMÒTÀN – Stories We Are Not Supposed to Tell, a 170-minute drama starring Sola Sobowale. Other highly anticipated titles include After 30, a follow-up to the Before 30 series; Taiwo Egunjobi’s The Fire and The Moth; and The Night of June 7th, produced by Linda Ikeji.
Senegalese actress Aïssa Maïga will headline the 2025 edition as festival ambassador, joined by filmmakers such as directors Biodun Stephen and Adekunle “Nodash” Adejuyigbe, producer Linda Ikeji, and actors Meg Otanwa and Alexander Karim.
Audiences can also look forward to a rich programme featuring short films, animated works, panel discussions, and industry networking events. Panels will cover topics ranging from storytelling in television series to adapting books for film and expanding distribution within the continent.
In addition to public voting for the Audience Award, two juries will determine the best feature and short films, with winners announced during the Closing Night Ceremony.
Here’s a list of the official selections across the key categories.
Features
After 30 (Nigeria) – World Premiere
Director: Omorinsojo Spaine
Sequel to Before 30, the drama follows four Nigerian women in their 30s who are focused on building their careers and finding themselves. Along the way, they deal with love, friendship, and the expectations placed on them by society. By challenging the belief that a woman’s worth depends on being in a relationship, they show what it means to live life on their terms. Starring Damilola Adegbite, Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa, Anee Icha.
Trade By Bata (Nigeria) – World Premiere
Director: Biodun Stephen
A Nigerian-American woman travels to her grandmother’s village, hoping it will help her claim her late father’s inheritance. But things don’t go as planned, and she must adjust to the village’s unexpected ways.
Blackout (Nigeria)
Director: Okechukwu Oku
A woman wakes up one day to find herself living a life she doesn’t recognize — with a husband and two children she doesn’t remember. Confused and desperate to return to the life she once knew, she soon uncovers a disturbing truth: the man calling himself her husband has trapped her in this world using a spell he cast five years ago, and he’ll do anything to keep her from leaving. Starring Blossom ChukwuJekwu, Gideon Okeke, Padita Agu, Nelson Iwu, Mike Uchegbu
The Night of June 7th (Nigeria) – World Premiere
Director: Toka McBaror
On the night of June 7, 2005, what began as a celebration ended in tragedy for six friends known as the Apo Six. Their encounter with a Deputy Commissioner of Police took a dark turn, revealing a painful true story filled with injustice, abuse of power, and deep loss. The film, based on real events, stars Gideon Okeke, Ali Nuhu.
Sierra’s Gold (South Africa)
Director: Adze Ugah
In Johannesburg, South Africa, a quirky and fearless artist named Sierra finds out she’s pregnant. Her boyfriend, Tiro—who also manages her career, convinces her to take a homemade remedy to end the pregnancy
Out in the Darkness (Nigeria) – World Premiere
Director: Sarah kwaji
Out in the Darkness tells the emotional story of Bolu, a young mother struggling with postpartum depression. As strange and frightening visions take over her daily life, she begins to lose her grip on reality. Despite her pain, doctors ignore her, and the silence around mental health keeps her from getting help. Left to face it all alone, both Bolu and her baby are put at serious risk.
The Fire and The Moth (Nigeria) – World Premiere
Director: Taiwo Egunjobi
A town in western Nigeria is thrown into turmoil after a priceless bronze statue is stolen. Starring Tayo Faniran, Ini Dima-Okojie, Jimmy Jean-Louis.
The Weekend (Nigeria)
Director: Daniel Oriahi
Nikiya (Uzoamaka Power), an orphan longing for a sense of family, is determined to meet her fiancé’s distant and estranged relatives. But what begins as a hopeful search turns into a dangerous discovery when she uncovers a hidden secret that could change everything. Starring Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, James Gardiner, and Damilola Ogunsi.
OLÙMÒTÀN: Stories We Are Not Supposed to Tell (Nigeria) – World Premiere
Director: Adekunle “Nodash” Adejuyigbe
Sola Sobowale stars as a mysterious woman who is being tried for a crime no one fully understands. But instead of explaining herself directly, she takes the judges and audience on a deep and unusual journey. Through four strange and thought-provoking stories, she challenges everyone to think about the power of storytelling.
For Amina (Nigeria)
Director: Lyndsey F. Efejuku
In a broken and unfair system, a mother stands up for her daughter’s right to go to school. She refuses to give up, and her brave fight inspires others to join her. Her actions show that real change can start with just one determined person.
Soft Love (Nigeria, South Africa)
Director: Holmes Okechukwu Awa
After getting dumped on her wedding day, a popular South African love expert (Cindy Mahlangu Thando) gives up on love. But things take a turn when she crosses paths with a Nigerian photographer (Efa Iwara), who’s also nursing a broken heart. Also starring Rosemary Zimu, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Genoveva Umeh, and Carol King.
The Dog (Kenya, Sweden)
Director: Baker Karim
MZ is a small-time drug dealer working the frantic streets of the coastal city of Mombasa in Kenya. He is hired to drive a young escort, Kadzo, to and from her assignments, with the instruction to not, under any circumstances, get involved with her. But he falls in love with her and sets his mind to rescue her from the situation, which will lead him down an increasing spiral of troubles.
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (Nigeria)
Director: AS Elijah, Akinmuyiwa Bisola, Edukpo Tina, James Taylor, Matthew Cerf,
Okechukwu Samuel, Ogungbamila Temitope
A young mother from the slums becomes a beacon of hope for her community after she discovers a pile of money meant to turn her community into a luxury condo. Starring Temi-Ami Williams, Debo Adebayo, Jane Oladehinde, Oladehinde Timothy.
Shorts
1992 (Kenya)
Director: Luka Liak
In 1992 Nairobi, a modern couple shows us what dating was like during that time, amid the growing stigma around HIV and AIDS. The story takes us behind the scenes as they prepare for a night out in town. Starring Nyakundi Isaboke, Shirleen Wangari, Gilbert Lukalia, Charles Kiarie, Susan Joanitah Njuguna, Phanuel Okuma Otieno, Enock Kalungi
Ayo (Cameroon)
Director: Fellon Gomez & Yolande Eckel
A young African woman who has been helping her mother deliver babies in their village since she was 8 years old. She witnesses the joy of new families every day. However, in her own home, the wait for her first child takes a long tim The cast includes Manoella Nguetse, Denis Etouka, Marthe Odile Ndom
Cut Me if You Can (United States)
Directors: Nicolas Polixene & Sylvain Loubet
Trapped in a horror B-movie, a highly sexualized black female character decides to fight back against her predictable role. Featuring Djaka Souaré, Anthony Lalor, Marshall Fox, Diane Foster
Ekun Iyawo: A Tale of a Runaway Bride (Nigeria)
Director: Mo Padeola
At her Ekún Ìyàwó ceremony, a bride’s tears will decide the fate—life or death—of a wicked and powerful man known as the Balogun. Starring Ugoh Amanda, Moshood Fattah, Ropo Ewenla, Soledayo Adegbite, Chukwu Martin, Adejoke Muyiwa
Noces D’eau (Benin)
Director: Aurielle Eli Jioya
While going through his late grandfather’s things, Kémi—a French man with Beninese roots—finds an old photo of his family’s former home in Benin. Curious about his heritage, he decides to rent the house for a weekend trip with his friends.
Obodo Oyibo (United States)
Director: Joyful Adenike
Tokunbo and Ose emigrate to the United States seeking a better life. Years later, with Ose eight months pregnant, their home is in crisis as they grapple with unforeseen cultural challenges.
The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi (United States)
Directors: Abbesi Akhamie
A smart scholar plans revenge after finding out that her fiancé is engaged to another woman.
The Screen Test (Nigeria)
Director: Edith Nwekenta
David gets a life-changing phone call—he’s landed a role in the biggest film of his career and is invited for a screen test. Excited and thankful, he doesn’t pay much attention to the director’s strange behavior. But as the night goes on, things start to get creepy, and David realizes the director may have darker intentions. Starring Tope Tedela and Philip Asaya.
Time Machine (France)
Director: Clémence Marcadier
A Reggae Dancehall music producer meets up with a top manager to help kickstart his protégé’s music career. Cast performances by Xavier Edmond-Mariette, Damien Montpre, David, Allan Ferly.
Ye! The Ascension of the Geles (États-Unis)
Director: John Adekoje
After child soldiers kidnap her husband and daughter, Stellar (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) joins Ajumose, a secret group of Pan-African women, to seek justice.
Nollykids
Hadu (Nigeria)
Director: Damilola Solesi
An enthusiastic girl embarks on a culinary journey to recreate her grandmother’s special recipe. Unfortunately, she finds herself in a disaster-stricken kitchen. They meet in the kitchen to relive precious memories and create a perfect dish.
Daddy’s Girl (Nigeria)
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
A young girl has to deal with the nostalgia she feels for her father.
The Mystery of Waza
Director: Claye Edou
Abdul, Bilama, Moudio and Nguiamba, four young students, meet in the heart of Waza National Park to investigate mysterious disappearances. They soon find themselves confronted with the greatest archaeological mystery in the history of Cameroon.
NollywoodWeek 2025 will take place from May 7-11, 2025, in Paris.
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