BRS Studios has officially announced three new films for its 2025 release slate, with each title backed by veteran filmmakers and a strong commitment to culturally rich storytelling. The studio, formed in 2024 as a joint venture between Joy Odiete’s Blue Pictures, Ramsey Nouah’s Ramsey Films, and Chris Odeh’s Sozo Films, continues its mission to raise the bar for Nollywood.

Following the global success of Tokunbo on Netflix, BRS Studios is doubling down on original, distinctly African narratives. The new slate features Stitches, Iwa Akwa, and Dambe, all of which are currently in development.

1. Stitches

Directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Stitches is a modern drama set in Lagos. It follows a gifted fashion designer from a humble background whose rise in the elite world of fashion forces her to confront secrets from her past. The film blends glamour, grit, and emotional depth, marking Frimpong-Manso’s return to the Nigerian scene after her acclaimed work across West Africa.

2. Iwa Akwa

Directed by Nollywood veteran Ernest Obi, Iwa Akwa dives into Igbo culture through the lens of a comedy-drama. When a quiet university professor is summoned back to his village to take the place of a fallen crown prince, he must navigate age-old traditions, scheming relatives, and his own modern values. The film is expected to offer a rare blend of humour, heritage, and identity.

3. Dambe

Directed by Ramsey Nouah himself, Dambe is a historical epic set in 11th-century Kano. It tells the story of a young man training in the ancient Hausa martial art of Dambe, as he battles his way through a brutal spiritual and physical journey. With large-scale sets, cultural depth, and a strong emotional core, the film aims to capture a rarely explored era of Nigerian history.

Building a New Vision for Nollywood

Joy Odiete, speaking on behalf of Blue Pictures, said the 2025 lineup is about taking calculated creative risks. “We’re telling stories that reflect our realities, dreams, and history with boldness and technical quality to match.”

Chris Odeh of Sozo Films added: “These aren’t just films, they’re statements. African cinema has no limits.”

Ramsey Nouah stressed the importance of shaping Africa’s image from within: “We must tell our stories ourselves. That’s the only way they’ll ring true.”

What It Means for the Industry

With these three films, BRS Studios signals its intent to be more than a one-hit studio. They’re building a canon, one that balances entertainment with meaning, and history with modern flair.