Nollywood may not have a wealth of period films, but when the industry ventures into this genre, the results are often masterpieces that explore emotional depth, historical accuracy, and beautiful storytelling.
In this article, we rank our 10 Nollywood period dramas that every Nigerian needs to watch.
- ‘76
“76” is at number 1 on our list for perfecting the concept of a “period” Nollywood film, with its realistic portrayal of a military regime and the emotional impact it has on its viewers. Set in the 90s, “76” follows the struggles of a pregnant wife who goes on a journey filled with danger and fear in order to prove the innocence of her soldier husband who has been framed for murder in a military regime. Directed by Izu Ojukwu, it stars Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ramsey Nouah, and Rita Dominic.
- Half Of A Yellow Sun
This film is an adaptation of the beloved novel by Chimamanda Adichie, and it chronicles the journey of two sisters back to Nigeria after the colonial era, which sets them on different paths in life. When the civil war breaks out in the country and political tensions escalate, they are forced to set aside their differences to fight and establish an independent republic. It was directed by Biyi Bandele and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Boyega and Thandiwe Newton. It is ranked 2nd on our list and is one of the best adaptations of a Nigerian book.
- The Herbert Macaulay Affair
This film was directed by Imoh Umoren and follows the return of Young Herbert from England, before he begins to oppose the colonial government and the chaos that follows his opposition. Some of the cast members are William Benson, Saheed Balogun, Martha Ehinome, and Kelechi Udegbe, and it is ranked number 3 for its historical accuracy and the effort put into conveying the feel of a period film.
- Citation
A bright Nigerian student who wages war on her university in a bid to expose a beloved professor who tried to rape her gets caught in the center of the chaos that unfolds from her actions. “Citation” was directed by Gabriel Afolayan and is the 4th on our list for its emotional depth and how it doesn’t shy away from detailing the trauma survivors of sexual violence face.
Some of the cast members are Gabriel Afolayan, Temi Otedola, Jimmy Jean-Louis, and Bukunmi Oluwashina.
- Invasion 1897
Ranked number 5, “Invasion 1897” was set in the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria, where the kingdom faced a British invasion. As the invaders steal an array of traditional artifacts, the people of the Kingdom grapple with the reality of their loss. This film does a great job of capturing the grief of the Benin Kingdom after the loss of their expensive artifacts. It was directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun and stars Segun Arinze, Paul Obazele, and Charles Inojie.
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
This might be a biographical film, but it is one of the best-done period films in the industry. Ranked at number 6 on our list, this film does a great job of capturing a strong female character without diminishing her power and influence. Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, this film chronicles the life and struggles of prominent Nigerian activist and educator Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
Some of the cast members are Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Jide Kosoko, Oga Bello, and Joke Silva.
- Farmer’s Bride
After a broken relationship, a young couple finds themselves rebuilding their lives on a farm in the middle of nowhere; however, they are soon forced to confront the fact that running away cannot save them from the darkness of the past they fled. This film did a great job of exposing the dangers behind greed while also perfectly encapsulating the importance of standing your ground in uncertain circumstances. It ranks 7th on our list and stars Tobi Bakre, Mercy Aigbe, Gbubemi Ejeye, Wumi Toriola, and Femi Branch.
- Ayinla
Nollywood may not do many musicals, but like in the case of “Ayinla,” when they do, it is a masterpiece. The 8th film on our list does a great service to musical films and follows the story of “Ayinla Yusuf,” popularly known by his townspeople as Ayinla Omowura, an Apala musician who was stabbed to death by his manager named Bayewu during a bar fight in 1980. Directed by Tunde Kelani, it stars Bimbo Ademoye, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Afolayan, Omowunmi Dada, and Mr Macaroni.
- 1929: Women’s War
Set in 1929, this film details the revolt of a group of Nigerian women during the British colonial era. As the era of oppression in colonial times continues, Nigerian women band together to take a stand against social and economic injustice. This film ranks 9th on our list for its strong women-led storytelling and realistic portrayal of colonial times and power dynamics. Directed by Moses Eskor, the cast features Oku Akam, Ndy Akan, and Lois Akpabio.
- Oloibiri
At number 10 on our list is “Oloibiri,” a film that details the story of a small village in Nigeria suffering from the devastating scarcity of drinking water, fishing, and sustainable farming. When a big corporation discovers the presence of oil in the village, their luck turns around.
“Oloibiri” captured tragedy and hope beautifully while also creating space for the sorrow of invasion. It was directed by Curtis Graham and stars Olu Jacobs and Richard Mofe Damijo.
