In a cinematic landscape that unfolded throughout 2023, Nollywood captivated audiences with a range of unforgettable moments. From spellbinding performances to groundbreaking achievements and awards, the Nigerian film industry left an indelible mark on the global stage.
The year saw an electrifying blend of cultural narratives and technological advancements, showcasing Nollywood’s evolution. With these moments, audiences were transported through a spectrum of emotions, from laughter to tears and excitement, as Nollywood continued to redefine itself.
As we reflect on the year gone by, here are the Top 5 Nollywood Moments that resonated and sparked conversations nationwide.
Nigeria Produces a Big Budget Movie
The Black Book, a Nigerian film directed by first-timer Editi Effiong, achieved a groundbreaking milestone as the first homegrown Nollywood production to be crafted with a budget of $1,000,000. This revenge-thriller boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Sam Dede, Pat Nebo, Shaffy Bello, Kelechi Udegbe, Ireti Doyle, Ade Laoye, and other prominent Nollywood actors, led by the charismatic Richard Mofe-Damijo.
As time went by, this feature film swiftly transcended borders, evolving into a global sensation by securing a spot in the top 10 rankings across various countries worldwide.
Genevieve Returns to Social Media with a Movie
After a considerable hiatus from the public eye, the acclaimed movie star, Genevieve Nnaji, made a delightful comeback, enthralling her fans with a compelling new film.
Titled I Do Not Come To You By Chance, this highly anticipated movie features Nnaji as the producer and executive producer.
It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a key component of the festival’s Centrepiece program, encompassing 47 titles from 45 countries.
Mami Wata Premieres and Win Award at Sundance
This marks a historic moment for the industry, sending Nollywood enthusiasts into a frenzy. CJ Obasi’s Mami Wata made history by not only being the first indigenous Nigerian film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival but also clinching an award at this prestigious event. Mami Wata secured the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography, a recognition of its exceptional utilization of black and white visuals that played a distinctive role in its storytelling.
Netnaija Shuts Down
On Saturday, September 16, 2023, NetNaija, the free-to-air streaming and movie download site, made a significant announcement regarding the discontinuation of its services. Through a statement posted on their website, NetNaija shared the evolution of the platform, starting as a personal hobby and transforming into a widely embraced fan favourite.
This development, undoubtedly a substantial setback for the site’s users, brings relief to filmmakers who have struggled against the adverse impact of piracy on their creative works.
Lagos and Del-York Launch Lagos Film City
In October 2023, the Del-York Group, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, inaugurated a cutting-edge film city project in Epe, with an estimated cost of $100 million. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized that this initiative is geared towards reshaping the African film and entertainment industry.
The project, named ‘Kebulania Lagos Film City,’ is a result of the partnership with Del-York International Group and is anticipated to foster innovation, talent discovery, and elevate storytelling within the industry.
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