To commemorate Nigeria’s 61st independence from British colonial rule, we selected 6 movies you can watch from the comfort of your couch on October 1st.
October 1st
Produced and directed by Nollywood premier movie director Kunle Afolayan. This psychological thriller is a must-see for every true Nigerian.
Set in colonial Nigeria, October 1st tells the story of Officer Waziri, who was played by the late Sadiq Daba. The British Colonial Military sent Officer Waziri on an investigative mission to the rural town of Akote in western Nigeria. Charged to investigate the frequent murder of women in the community before October 1st, Waziri had his work cut out for him. The visual masterpiece, the location, the costumes, the entire score of this movie delivered on all the 60s nostalgia you didn’t know you needed.
The film touches on important themes like tribalism, homosexuality, paedophilia, colonisation and western imperialism in Nigeria. The stunning performance by the cast will leave this movie engraved in your memory.
93 Days
This drama tells the story of the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria and the Lagos health workers that fought to contain it when a patient arrived with symptoms of the virus.
Based on real-life events, this movie shows how Nigeria was able to escape what would’ve been a massive Ebola outbreak in the country within 93 days.
Knowing the state of the healthcare industry in Nigeria, one can understand just how remarkable this movie is. The film highlights the sacrifices of frontline workers during one of the worst virus outbreaks the continent has ever seen.
93 days is available on Showmax. Get your Showmax subscription ready so you can enjoy this gripping tale of sacrifice and triumph.
Invasion 1897
Inspired by historical events which took place in the ancient Benin Kingdom, events that led to the destruction of the once-powerful empire and the exile of the kingdom’s monarch by the British.
The story follows the narration of Igie, a young prince who was on trial for stealing historical artefacts from a British museum. As the story unfolds, it reveals how the British invaded the Benin kingdom and carted away sculptures and artefacts after looting the palace.
Although the production was a letdown and the acting a bit subpar, Invasion 1897 tells a very important story of Nigerian history and its Colonial relationship with the British.
Half Of A Yellow Sun
The screen adaptation of Chimamanda’s groundbreaking novel of the same title is a classic tale of the costs of Nigeria’s independence. Although the reality of the story still leaves a bitter taste in our mouth, it was still so beautifully done by the author that the movie had no choice but to do it Justice. Half of a Yellow Sun tells the tale of two privileged sisters who go on completely different journeys as they navigate their way through the Biafra Civil War.
Touching on themes like war and romance, the sweeping story of Half of a Yellow Sun will leave you aching for justice. Fans of the book found the movie a little too rushed and disconnected, but it’s a beautiful piece all the same. What better movie to celebrate Nigeria’s independence than one with a reminder of her dark past.
’76
Directed by Izu Ojukwu, this story is set six years after the Civil War. ’76 follows the story of Officer Dewa, who was accused of being involved in the abortive 1976 coup that resulted in the assassination of Nigeria’s Military Head of State, Murtala Mohammed. And it is told through the perspective of the soldier’s pregnant wife, Suzanna, who battles to prove her husband’s innocence before it’s too late.
Izu Ojukwu’s 76 touches on sensitive themes like tribalism, political turmoil, justice and the experiences of the women left behind by their military husbands.
Ojukokoro
This dark comedy tells the story of a heist gone wrong. The manager of a money-laundering gas station decides to steal from his greedy employers, but his plan goes south when he realises he’s not the only one gunning for the money. This movie mixes crime and comedy, the perfect recipe that’ll keep you at the edge of your seats and also reeling with laughter.
So you don’t miss out on this wonderful movie, you can easily watch it on Showmax. Showmax has a collection of Nollywood films to keep you entertained through the Independence public holiday.