The official theatrical poster for the Nollywood drama Alechenu directed by Biodun Stephen, starring Bimbo Ademoye, Mike Ezuruonye, and Royal Aziomaku.
July is turning out to be a genuinely brilliant month for Nigerian cinema. Whether you are in the mood for a gripping thriller, a quiet emotional drama, or a large-scale epic, there is a fantastic selection on the big screen right now. Here are five films to add to your cinema watchlist before the month is out.
The Return of Omotara Johnson
Nearly two decades after Bukky Wright made Omotara Johnson one of the most unforgettable characters in Yoruba cinema, “O.J.” is back. Directed by AdeoluwaOwu and produced by Bukky Wright, this crime drama follows a changed woman who has left her criminal past behind to build a quiet life around her son. When he is accused of murder, old enemies resurface and hidden betrayals explode. Now showing in cinemas nationwide, Wright is joined by a powerhouse cast including RichardMofe–Damijo, NseIkpe–Etim, ChidiMokeme, TiminiEgbuson, ShaffyBello, and AliNuhu. Now showing in cinemas nationwide.
Njem: The Journey
After premiering at AFRIFF 2025 to strong reception, “Njem: The Journey” is finally making its way to Nigerian cinemas this July. Directed by UcheChukwu, the film follows a young man whose dream of moving abroad is complicated by loss, love, and the difficult choices that follow. Starring ChimezieImo, RotimiSalami, KelechiUdegbe, TomiOjo, TanaAdelana, AbayomiOlukanmi, and GoodnessEmmanuel, it is the kind of story that hits close to home for anyone who has ever wrestled with the pull between staying and leaving.
On Different Grounds
MildredOkwo returns to the director’s chair with a romantic comedy that places its trust firmly in Nollywood’s veterans, and they deliver. The film follows a separated couple forced to share the same space during the week of their daughter’s wedding, with NkemOwoh, JenniferEliogu, and BobManuelUdowku leading a cast that brings warmth, humour, and a quiet emotional honesty to a story about second chances. Currently showing in cinemas.
Alechenu
Biodun Stephen‘s second theatrical release of the year, “Alechenu” follows a young boy’s journey from Oyo to Lagos in search of his mother, a trip that sets off a chain of events unearthing long-buried family secrets. Starring MikeEzuruonye, BimboAdemoye, FemiAdebayo, WumiToriola, AdediwuraGold, and RoyalAziomaku, the film released on 26 June and is currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
Apaara: The Outcast
Save the date for this one. Inspired by one of Nigeria’s most defining political rivalries, “Apaara: The Outcast” is a large-scale Yoruba epic where history, mythology, and the fight for justice collide. The film follows Akekaka, a fearless freedom fighter who rises against corruption threatening to destroy his community, only to be betrayed by the very people he swore to protect. Ancient forces awaken, destiny takes a brutal turn, and revenge comes at a cost nobody sees coming. Directed by SundayAlabiOsibata and DamolaOlatunji, and starring IbrahimChatta, IyaboOjo, MuyiwaAdemola, AntarLaniyan, AdunniAde, YemiShodimu, BimboOshin, and BolajiAmusan, “Apaara: The Outcast” comes to cinemas nationwide from 24 July 2026.
Angelique Kidjo’s Birthday Look Just Made Red and Raffia Look So Good
