First time’s the charm! And that’s the case of some Nollywood Directors that you’ve come to love and enjoy!
A director’s first feature film often sets the tone for their career, offering a glimpse into their unique style and storytelling abilities. While established directors have long dominated the scene, many first-time filmmakers have made their mark with exceptional debut feature films in Nigerian cinema.
What’s even more surprising is that some of these films were helmed by directors making their big-screen debut. From their originality to their execution, these films have left a lasting impression, even though they were the filmmakers’ first attempts. Let’s explore some of the best feature films that were surprisingly directorial debuts:
Living In Bondage (2019)
Ramsey Nouah’s film career took off with his major screen debut in Silent Night (1996), and he became a household name across Africa through numerous successful films, often portraying romantic leads. In 2019, Nouah made his directorial debut with Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, a sequel to the classic 1992 film Living in Bondage.
This film not only showcased his directing skills but also solidified his legacy within Nollywood. Following this, he directed the remake RattleSnake: The Ahanna Story (2020). He continued this trajectory as the director of Tòkunbò (2024) which was released on Netflix. Additionally, he is set to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel 77, which is currently in post-production and follows 76, where he played the protagonist.
With multiple awards under his belt, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Figurine (2009), Ramsey Nouah remains a pivotal figure in Nollywood, known for blending his acting prowess with a vision for storytelling through his production company, Ramseyfilms.
The Bling Lagosians (2019)
Before her directorial debut with The Bling Lagosians in 2019, Bolanle Austen-Peters had already established herself in the theater scene with successful productions and had produced notable films like 93 Days. Austen-Peters has been recognized as a pioneering force in Nigerian cinema, and her work has earned her accolades for its storytelling and artistic direction.
The Bling Lagosians centers on the affluent Holloway family, highlighting their internal conflicts as they prepare for a lavish birthday celebration while facing the threat of losing their business. Released on June 28, 2019, the film features a strong cast including Osas Ighodaro and Elvina Ibru, and it received acclaim for its engaging narrative and production quality, winning awards for cinematography and supporting performances. With a box office gross of approximately ₦120 million, the film has become a staple in Nollywood, showcasing the complexities of wealth and family dynamics in contemporary Nigerian society.
Isoken (2017)
Jadesola Osiberu is a Nigerian writer, director, and producer, who transitioned from a career in software development to filmmaking, establishing her production company, Tribe85 Productions. Her directorial debut, Isoken, released in 2017, explores the societal pressures faced by unmarried women in Nigeria, earning her accolades such as Best Director at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a nomination for Best Director at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Isoken is a romantic comedy that follows the titular character, Isoken, as she navigates cultural expectations around marriage while caught between familial matchmaking and her feelings for a non-Edo man, Kevin. The film, starring Dakore Akande and Joseph Benjamin, premiered in the UK before its Nigerian release and received positive reviews for its humour and cultural commentary, winning awards for Best Film and Best Director at the 2018 AMVCA, as well as recognition at international film festivals. With a box office gross of ₦95 million, Isoken established Osiberu as a significant voice in Nollywood, blending comedy with critical discussions on race and gender roles in contemporary Nigerian society.
The Wedding Party (2016)
Before Kemi Adetiba’s directorial debut with The Wedding Party in 2016, she had established herself in the industry through music videos and short films, showcasing her creative vision. Her success with The Wedding Party laid the groundwork for her later acclaimed projects, including King of Boys and its subsequent series.
The Wedding Party is a romantic comedy that captures the chaos and excitement surrounding a couple’s wedding day. The film received positive reviews for its humour and relatable storyline, quickly becoming a box office sensation that grossed over ₦453 million, making it one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films at the time. Its engaging narrative, star-studded cast, and ability to resonate with audiences have firmly established The Wedding Party as a milestone in Nollywood and a beloved entry in the romantic comedy genre.
Ojuju (2014)
C.J. “Fiery” Obasi made an interesting transition from a degree in Computer Science to filmmaking, driven by his passion for storytelling and genre films. His directorial debut film, Ojuju, premiered at the Africa International Film Festival in 2014 and quickly garnered critical acclaim, winning the award for Best Nigerian Film,earning Obasi the Trailblazer of the Year award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, setting the stage for his distinctive career in genre filmmaking.
Ojuju is a 2014 Nigerian zombie thriller that uniquely adapts the zombie genre to a Nigerian context, focusing on a viral outbreak in a slum area. The film’s realistic portrayal of societal issues, combined with its grassroots production approach and minimal budget, resonated with audiences.
Ojuju won awards for Best Editing at the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards and Best Supporting Actress for Omowunmi Dada at the Best of Nollywood Awards, further solidifying its significance in Nollywood and showcasing Obasi’s innovative vision. Its success at various film festivals and recognition for its engaging storytelling and craftsmanship solidified Ojuju as a significant work in Nollywood and a testament to Obasi’s innovative vision.
Irapada (2006)
Kunle Afolayan is a distinguished actor, producer, and director who has significantly impacted Nollywood by enhancing film quality through larger budgets and improved storytelling. His journey in film began with acting in the political drama Saworoide in 1999, leading to his directorial debut with Irapada in 2006. The film won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language, marking a pivotal moment in Afolayan’s career and establishing him as a key figure in the industry.
Irapada (meaning “Redemption”) is a supernatural thriller that delves into themes of sacrifice and spirituality, centered on Dewunmi, who faces a series of tragic events after refusing to perform a ritual. The film was acclaimed for its engaging narrative and unique storytelling, earning it a spot among the Must-See African Films of the 21st century by CNN in 2013. It not only showcased Afolayan’s directorial prowess but also received recognition for its cultural significance, making it a staple in Nollywood cinema and solidifying Afolayan’s reputation as a leading filmmaker.
Render to Caesar (2014)
Desmond Ovbiagele is a Nigerian filmmaker known for his impactful storytelling. He made his directorial debut with Render to Caesar, a film he wrote, produced, and co-directed, which was selected for official competition at prestigious festivals, including FESPACO and the Pan African Film Festival in 2015, showcasing his talent and vision as a filmmaker.
Render to Caesar is a 2014 drama that explores themes of morality, justice, and societal challenges in Nigeria. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film was celebrated for its engaging storyline and won multiple awards, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay at the Nollywood Movies Awards, Best International Feature Film at the Nile Diaspora International Film Festival, and Best Sound Design at the Best of Nollywood Awards. Its success not only highlighted Ovbiagele’s skillful direction but also set the stage for his subsequent work, including the highly regarded film The Milkmaid, further establishing his reputation in the Nigerian film industry.
Kasala! (2018)
Prior to directing Kasala!, Ema Edosio gained valuable experience working with various production companies and directing music videos for notable artists. She returned to Nigeria in 2013 and honed her skills in the industry, contributing to projects such as the TV series Skinny Girl in Transit, the short film AMCOP: Faults & Blames, and the African Movie Channel Original Production We Tha Boyz. While she had directed several short films and television projects, Kasala! marks her directorial debut in feature films. The film follows the story of Tunji, a quick-talking young man, and his friends who borrow their uncle’s car for a joyride. Their adventure takes a turn when they crash the vehicle and have just five hours to raise money for repairs before their uncle returns.
Released on October 12, 2018, and later premiering on Netflix on January 31, 2020, Kasala! has been praised for its engaging narrative and representation of Lagos life. Ema Edosio’s direction brings a unique blend of comedy and realism, making the film both entertaining and relatable. The film’s ability to capture the essence of youthful camaraderie while addressing deeper societal issues has garnered it a positive reception, solidifying Edosio’s reputation as a star in the Nigerian film industry.
The emergence of talented Nollywood directors making their feature film debuts has significantly enriched Nollywood, introducing audiences to diverse narratives and fresh perspectives. As we celebrate the successes of these filmmakers, it’s clear that their innovative storytelling set a new standard for the industry for what we even expect till this day.
With exciting new films slated for release this year and beyond, we eagerly anticipate the unveiling of more directors who will bring their unique voices to the forefront. These new talents have the potential to further shape Nollywood, ensuring that it continues to evolve and flourish, providing us with captivating stories that reflect the beauty and complexity of Nigerian culture.
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