West Africa

Join OkayAfrica at a Q&A Session with Abderrahmane Sissako
Film + TV

Join OkayAfrica at a Q&A Session with Abderrahmane Sissako

The acclaimed director's ‘Black Tea’ will be screening at this year’s New York African Film Festival in May.

How "Iyanu" Bridges Hollywood and Nollywood
Film + TV

How "Iyanu" Bridges Hollywood and Nollywood

Nigerian actors Adesua Etomi and Stella Damasus, who voice some of the characters in Iyanu, say the series is important for authentic representation.

What to Watch in West Africa This April
News

What to Watch in West Africa This April

From thrilling comedies to powerful documentaries, West African filmmakers deliver compelling narratives of courage, friendship, and redemption this month.

​Signage at the opening night of the new play "Nollywood Dreams" at The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater, New York.
Film + TV

Op-Ed: More Nigerian Filmmakers Should Make YouTube Their Main Distribution Channel

Top industry names like Kunle Afolayan and Omoni Oboli show how YouTube can give Nigerian films new life and unprecedented viewership.

A man in a black and white photo looking away from the camera.
Film + TV

The Singular Eye of Nigerian Cinematographer KC Obiajulu

Known for visual compositions that stay on the mind long after they've finished playing, Obiajulu wants to leave viewers feeling something.

A man in a suit stares into the camera from over his shoulder.
Film + TV

For Nigerian Romcoms, Timini Egbuson is Ready to Take the Reins

The actor has led several contemporary Nigerian romance classics, earning the reputation of a generational heart-throb. Now, he is ready to take the wheels.

Director/writer Souleymane Cisse speaks onstage at the Tribeca Talks Directors Series: Souleymane Cisse With Martin Scorsese during the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theater on April 29, 2011 in New York City.
News

Tributes Roll in for Pioneer of African Cinema, Souleymane Cissé

Cissé was the first African filmmaker to win the Cannes Grand Jury Prize, for his 1987 seminal masterpiece, ‘Yeleen.’

A still from the teaser of Roye Okupe's 'Iyanu,' showing the titular character.
Film + TV

Watch the Trailer for the Anticipated Animated Series, ‘Iyanu’

The show, based on a graphic novel created by Roye Okupe’s Youneek Studios, is set to premiere on Cartoon Network, Max and Showmax between April and June.

The poster for Showmax’s new romantic comedy, ‘Not My Type.’
Film + TV

10 Romantic African Films To Watch This Valentine's Weekend

Our selection includes three newly-released films, a classic Romeo-and-Juliet retelling, as well as several popular and well-received films in recent years.

A still of Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ummi Baba Ahmed in Lolo Eremie’s ‘Tarella’.
Film + TV

Lolo Eremie Traces Cinderella's African Roots in Her Directorial Debut 'Tarella’

Nigerian filmmaker Lolo Eremie explores the Egyptian origin of a beloved fairytale in her award-winning feature film now showing at cinemas nationwide.

A man in a blue jacket is seen staring directly into the camera.
Film + TV

In 'No Chains, No Masters,' A Beninese Filmmaker Centers Rebellion In Colonial Mauritius

Inspired by his own journey of rage and healing, Simon Moutaïrou honors the resistance and bravery of enslaved people under French colonial rule.

Three people stand at the trunk of a car talking.
Film + TV

What to Watch in West Africa This February

This month of love, cozy up to these incredible romance, comedy and even horror titles from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

Two women sit side by side mid-conversation.
Film + TV

In 'Perfect Woman', the State of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria is Laid Bare

The filmmakers behind the short film explore the power of joy and community as a way to amplify the worrying state of cervical cancer amongst women in Nigeria.

A snapshot of an eye reflecting a camera’s ring light.
Film + TV

What To Watch in West Africa This January

This month’s list of what to watch brings together exciting films and television series from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.

Director Niyi Akinmolayan attends "The Arbitration" premiere during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival at Isabel Bader Theatre on September 13, 2016 in Toronto, Canada.
Film + TV

Niyi Akinmolayan Talks 'Lisabi' and the Way Forward for Nollywood

The veteran filmmaker and ‘Lisabi’ director explains why the obstacles to Nollywood’s critical growth are primarily economic.

A poster of six women standing side by side and looking intently at the camera.
Film + TV

How Season 3 of ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’ Takes the Drama to New Territories

This season of ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’ features three new cast members, a returning character and a range of themes that offer a layered side to well-known personalities.

Two women sitting in a red convertible and staring sideways at the camera.
Profiles & Interviews

Jade Osiberu Wants 'Christmas In Lagos' To Be A Holiday Classic

The rom-com tells a moving and hilarious holiday story of lost love and second chances with Lagos at its center.

Christmas in Lagos brings together a host of fresh faces alongside Nollywood icons Shaffy Bello, Wale Ojo, and RMD.
Film + TV

Here Are the 11 Must-Watch African Christmas Movies This Holiday

From festive romances to family dramas, these must-watch African Christmas films bring diverse cultures, heartfelt moments and holiday cheer to your screen this season.