By Dele Ashiru

Nigerian film audiences, especially Nollywood enthusiasts, can look forward to a dynamic shift in their beloved industry in 2025. With technology driving innovation and audiences craving richer, more relatable stories, the Nigerian movie industry is set for significant evolution.

Key trends are emerging that will boost efficiency, grow audiences, and redefine what’s possible in Nollywood. These trends promise benefits for everyone involved: filmmakers, crew members, streaming platforms, and, most importantly, the audiences.

The AI Era: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are becoming essential tools in the filmmaking process. In Nollywood, where budgets and schedules are often tight, AI offers opportunities to streamline production.

While AI-generated imagery can assist in creating realistic environments and special effects, human actors will remain central to Nigerian storytelling, as emotional authenticity drives audience connection. With AI, filmmakers can save time and reduce costs while maintaining high production quality — a crucial advantage in Nollywood’s fast-paced environment.

Immersive Film Sets: Nollywood’s growth in genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, and epic historical dramas means that immersive virtual film sets are becoming more relevant. Technologies like LED walls and real-time rendering allow filmmakers to create intricate digital worlds without relying on expensive international locations.

With access to these tools, Nigerian filmmakers can tell ambitious, larger-than-life stories while keeping production local. Imagine epic Nigerian folklore tales or futuristic Lagos cityscapes brought to life with stunning virtual environments.

Authentic Storytelling: Authenticity has always been Nollywood’s strongest suit. Nigerian audiences crave relatable stories reflecting their lives, struggles, and triumphs. Platforms like Africa Magic, Showmax and IrokoTV have already shown the power of hyperlocal content.

Globally, there’s a rising appetite for diverse stories, presenting a golden opportunity for Nollywood. Expect to see more stories rooted in local languages, cultural practices, and regional identities — stories that celebrate Nigeria’s diversity while connecting with global viewers.

Sustainable Filmmaking: Sustainability is becoming a priority across industries, and Nollywood is no exception. Film productions, particularly large-scale ones, can have significant environmental footprints.

One effective approach is sourcing cast, crew, and logistics locally to minimize transportation emissions. Nigeria is already seeing a rise in homegrown talent, supported by training institutions such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy in Lagos.

By prioritizing local talent and sustainable practices, Nollywood can reduce costs, empower local communities, and protect the environment.

Building Communities: In Nigeria, movie releases are more than just events — they’re cultural moments. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok play a key role in amplifying movie buzz, creating fan communities, and driving discussions long after the credits roll.

These communities are not just audiences; they’re active participants in the storytelling experience. For producers, fan engagement on digital platforms isn’t just a marketing tool — it’s part of the movie’s life cycle.

A Thriving Future for Nollywood: The Nigerian film industry is on the cusp of an exciting transformation. With technology, authenticity, and community engagement driving growth, Nollywood is set to tell even bigger, bolder, and more impactful stories.

While the future of filmmaking may still hold surprises, one thing is certain: Nigerian films will continue to entertain, inspire, and resonate with audiences at home and abroad.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Popular Nigerian skit maker, Mark Angel, has narrated how he also committed suicide in 2024 after he lost about $3.7 million to foreign exchange (FX) trading.

The Port Harcourt, Rivers State-based comedian stated that the situation left him in a huge debt, noting that his “pastor and his wife stood by me” during the period.

“The year 2024 began like every other year, but I had no idea how much it would test me how much it would break me, yet ultimately reshape me. It was the year I lost everything. I trusted the wrong hands in forex and lost all my money. Nobody knew except my family and closest circle.

“The weight of the loss, over $3.7 million was suffocating. I was drowning in debts, and one by one, I watched all my properties slip into the hands of loan sharks. It felt like my world was crumbling, and in my darkest moments, I considered ending it all.

“But God… If not for His mercies, I wouldn’t be here writing this. He sent angels into my life when I needed them the most. Blessing, my friend who became family, never gave up on me.

“My pastor and his wife stood by me, praying and guiding me. My daughters, Victoria and Mila, reminded me of the beauty of life, even when it felt unbearable.

“My ex-wife Mandy extended a hand of kindness I will never forget. My son, Schoolboy, showed me strength beyond his years. And Bright, my social media assistant, stood as a pillar in moments I thought I’d collapse.

“While I was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, life dealt another blow. A scandal hit, shaking the foundation of my career and questioning the loyalty of those around me.

“It was in that storm that God began to uncover the truth. He exposed the fake friends, the pretenders, and the ones who had been silently sabotaging my peace and my circle. It was painful, but it was necessary.

“2024 was the hardest year of my life, but it was also the year God drew me closer to Him. Through the ashes, He taught me resilience, faith, and the true meaning of grace. I don’t take it for granted that I’m alive today. To everyone who stood with me, prayed for me, and held me up when I had no strength left, thank you.

“Here’s to God’s unwavering faithfulness. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that even in the darkest valleys, His light never stops shining,” Mark Angel narrated.

What happens when love turns up most unexpectedly? In The Escort, a professional male escort and a lonely businesswoman are drawn into an unlikely connection. For her, it’s a chance to break free from an unfaithful marriage. For him, it’s a moment to question the life he’s built. As their worlds collide, tough choices and emotional turmoil follow. This December, Africa Magic brings you The Escort showing at 4:30 pm on the 25th of December on Africa Magic Showcase GOtv channel 8 alongside other must-watch Africa Magic movies and shows to light up your holiday season.

Here are some standout titles to look forward to on Africa Magic.

Africa Comedy Night: Bovi is bringing the laughs this holiday season with three days of comedy you won’t want to miss. From December 24th to 26th, tune in to the Africa Magic Showcase channel on GOtv channel 8 at 6 pm and a repeat on the 28th of December, 4th of January 2025 and 11th of January 2025 at 7 pm for its special lineup of stand-up routines, funny skits, and witty takes on everyday life. Whether you’re relaxing with family or just need a good laugh, the Africa Comedy Night is here to keep the festive spirit alive. Don’t miss it.

Uriri: This movie tells the story of two brothers whose lives take very different paths after a tragic family history. Twenty years after the love story of their parents, Ogaga and Serome, the twins, one a slave, the other freeborn, find themselves facing off in the Agbaka wrestling tournament. As they fight for survival and honour, they must deal with their past and the choices that shaped their lives. This powerful drama is about loyalty, identity, and the bonds of family. Watch Uriri on December 30th at Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv channel 8, at 6:30 pm.

The PTA: Kennedy, a teacher at Ascending Scholars School in Abuja, wants nothing more than a simple, peaceful life. But life seems determined to throw him curveballs. With a failed engagement, mounting debts, and the tragic loss of his closest friend, Kennedy finds himself at the end of his rope. At a seemingly mundane PTA meeting, surrounded by parents, staff, and students, Kennedy finally cracks. Armed with a gun, he takes everyone, hostage, unraveling a cascade of secrets and exposing the hidden connections that bind everyone in the room. Featuring Segun Arinze and Eric Obinna, The PTA is a must-watch series—it premieres January 2nd, 2025, on Africa Magic Showcase GOtv channel 8.

The Good Neighbour: A single father and his young daughter leave Abuja for a fresh start in Lagos. However, their new life takes an unexpected turn when they discover that their landlord and neighbour are familiar faces from the father’s past. As old connections resurface, secrets and unresolved issues threaten to upend their new beginning, leading to a mix of drama, humour, and heartfelt moments. Don’t miss it, showing on the 22nd of December at 9:30 pm on Africa Magic Family GOtv channel 4.

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