Nollywood’s audience has consistently expressed their dissatisfaction with cliché-laden films. They’ve voiced their concerns about the consistent supply of weak movies that fail to live up to the hype surrounding them.
However, hidden in the shadows are films that remain undiscovered, much like slow-bloomers. These movies may take their time, but when you finally experience them, they pack a powerful punch. They don’t bask in the limelight of the mainstream, and as a result, they often go underappreciated.
In this article, we’ll present a list of five movies that are underrated but have truly made the industry proud. Chances are, you haven’t even heard of them.
1. SYLVIA
“Sylvia“, a 2018 Nigerian supernatural thriller film directed by Daniel Oriahi, tops our list. This movie had its debut screening at the Nollywood Week in Paris on May 5, 2018, and hit cinemas on September 21 of the same year. Interestingly, “Sylvia” didn’t secure any awards despite multiple nominations, but it garnered immense acclaim from film scholars.
The Maveriq of Tha Revue had this to say: “Sylvia is one of the darkest thrillers to emerge from Nollywood, and I must commend Trino Studios for their courage in producing this film because it defies the quintessential Nollywood production.”
2. EYIMOFE
“Eyimofe” is a Nigerian drama that stands out as a product of the talented twin brothers, Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri, making their directorial debuts. The film received glowing reviews from critics and had screenings at numerous international film festivals across 17 countries. Impressively, on Rotten Tomatoes, “Eyimofe” maintains a “Fresh” rating of 100% after 22 reviews by critics.
Furthermore, the film has clinched over 10 international awards, firmly establishing itself as a hidden gem.
3. THE MILKMAID
“The Milkmaid,” a 2020 Nigerian drama directed by Desmond Ovbiagele, gained significant recognition when it was chosen as Nigeria’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards, although it didn’t secure a nomination. Nonetheless, the film boasts an impressive tally of approximately 12 international awards, underscoring its excellence.
4. KASALA
“Kasala,” a 2018 Nigerian comedy-drama helmed by Ema Edosio, initially hit cinemas on October 12, 2018, but only gained widespread acceptance by December 2018. Subsequently, it premiered on Netflix on January 31, 2020. Despite its lukewarm cinema performance, “Kasala” went on to win several awards at various international film festivals, proving that its quality surpassed its initial reception.
5. JUJU STORIES
“Juju Stories” is a three-part anthology film that delves into juju (magical) stories rooted in Nigerian folklore and urban legends. It’s a collaborative effort, with C.J. Obasi, Abba Makama, and Michael Omonua as the writers and directors. “Juju Stories” made its debut at the 2021 edition of the Locarno Film Festival, where it not only impressed but also secured the Boccalino d’Oro award for the best film. Additionally, it earned a place on the list of the best African films for 2021.
These five films, despite flying under the radar, have contributed significantly to the Nigerian film industry and deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements. Each one showcases unique storytelling and cinematic excellence, proving that there’s more to Nollywood than meets the eye.
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