The annual African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will take place at the AFRIFF hub in Lagos from November 3 to 9, 2024. This year a total of 150 films which include features, shorts, animations and documentaries, will be screened. 

As Nigeria takes center stage for this festival, here are the 16 Nigerian features selected:

• Headless

This year, for the first time ever in over 14 years since AFRIFF started, an all-Nigerian movie will be opening the festival. Directed by Michael Ndiomu, Headless tells the story of a morally ambiguous Nollywood film producer who is found with a decapitated human head in the boot of his car. The ensuing interrogation and investigations lead to unearthing unsavoury aspects of the intersections between the world of politics and crime and the Nigerian film industry.

The star cast list includes Gideon Okeke, Uzoamaka Anuinoh, Femi Branch, Gbubemi Ejeye, Segun Arinze, Baaj Adebule and Ruby Okezie.

• A Ghetto Love Story

Nigerian comedian Basketmouth makes bold steps as his first feature A Ghetto Love Story gets enlisted for AFRIFF screening. 

The film aims to celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of communities often pushed to the margins. With a realistic touch, the story explores themes of socioeconomic disparities and societal biases while diving into the complex nature of human connection through a blooming love.

Also directed by Basketmouth, the movie boasts a star-studded lineup, including Akah Nnani, Beverly Osu, Wale Ojo, Patience Ozokwor, Nkem Owoh, Mercy Johnson Okojie, Bright Okpocha, Daniel Etim Effiong, Genoveva Umeh, Dorathy Bachor, Bethel Njoku, Vandora, Ehiz Dadaboy, and Romeo WJ.

A Ghetto Love Story is slated to screen on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Although this screening is the official world premiere, the upcoming title will also commence cinematic screening on November 22, 2024.

OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR ‘A GHETTO LOVE STORY’ #AGhettoLoveStory #AGLSTheMovie pic.twitter.com/hgFGyQ8HuQ

— Basket Mouth (@basket_mouth) October 25, 2024

• Recall

Kunle Afolayan is no stranger in AFRIFF, but this time he will debut a psychological thriller. The teaser hints at a supernatural and psychological exploration in the search for answers. Set in the bustling city of Lagos, the film follows Goke and Anita as their seemingly perfect love story unravels into an unexpected and mysterious journey.

The cast includes Sharon Ooja, Olarotimi Fakunle, Bolaji Ogunmola, Tina Mba, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Keppy Ekpenyong, Bimbo Akintola, Patience Ozokwor, and Mama Rainbow.

Recall  is set to make its world premiere at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) on November 7, 2024.

Watch the trailer below:

https://t.co/EK6Y3oZLwi
RECALL – a supernatural drama that dives into love, memory, and the mysteries that bind us, directed by Kunle Afolayan

This powerful story comes to life through an exceptional cast that blends Nigerian and international talent:

Watch the trailer now pic.twitter.com/nkjHWTwyoS

— Kunleafolayan (@kunleafolayan) October 29, 2024

• Agemo

Directed by Moshood Abiola, Agemo explores the themes women’s struggles and empowerment; supernatural forces and consequences; mystery and secrets; and manipulation and power dynamics.

This mystery-thriller feature serves as a symbolic reflection of the challenges faced by women, epitomized by the mysterious fate of female corps members in the town. Developed in four months, Agemo offers the audience a thought-provoking and engaging narrative that goes beyond the surface of a supernatural mystery.

The cast includes Uzoamaka Onuoha, Raphael Ayara, Darasimi Nadi, Moji Afolayan and Jide  Kosoko.

Our Film AGEMO will screen tomorrow at the Africa international film festival #Afriff13 . It is also nominated for competition.
.
Location: the palms
Time: 1:30pm
Screen 4 and 5💕.
.#uzoamakaonuoha#morphelee#agemo#relatedmotions#afriff#afriff2024 pic.twitter.com/tMzKejqUBk

— uzoamakaonuoha (@uzoamakaonuoha) November 4, 2024

• God-Dafi

Directed by Collins Adindu, God-Dafi tells a riveting tale of love, mysticism, and fate. Jabar and Ene, a young couple, joyfully await their first child, but soon face life-threatening challenges tied to ancient powers testing their love and survival. 

With a star-studded cast which includes Tomi Ojo, Paul Nnadiekwe, Tina Mba, Hermes Iyele, and Charles Inojie, God-Dafi  promises an enthralling journey into the unknown.

• Freedom Way

Freedom Way, an upcoming drama directed by Afolabi Olalekan, screened at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The film follows the lives of three young co-founders of a startup, a motorcyclist, a doctor and a police pair as they navigate the struggles of their professional life in contemporary Nigeria. It tackles the issue of police brutality and harassment which has long been flagrant in Nigeria.

The cast includes Adebowale Adebayo, Jable Ogranya, Jesse Suntele, Mike Afolarin, Femi Jacobs and Bimbo Akintola. Freedom Way was written and produced by Blessing Uzzi.

Watch the official trailer below:

Official Trailer for “Freedom Way” Premiering at Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF).Grateful to the cast and crew that worked on this film.FreedomWay was a labor of love and it wouldn’t be possible without you!Grateful for each and every one of you. Directed by @broslekan pic.twitter.com/wkurhYCdyY

— Blessing Uzzi (@blessinguzzi) July 24, 2024

• The Man Died

The Man Died is a screen adaptation of one of Wole Soyinka’s famous books. The memoir chronicles Soyinka’s thoughts when the government held him as a political prisoner during the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s.

The film adaptation of The Man Died features Nollywood stars Chidi Mokeme, Sam Dede, Norbert Young, Francis Onwochei, Edmond Enabe, and Segilola Ogidan. Others are Simileoluwa Hassan, Christiana Oshunniyi, and newcomer, Abraham Amkpa.

Prof. Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir, “The Man Died,” is now a movie! Enjoy the trailer!
Powerful movie made by Prof. Awam Ampka. pic.twitter.com/nMQmclEN86

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) June 16, 2024

• Phoenix Fury

Starring Ama K Abebrese, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Onyinye Odokoro, Tina Mba, Adjetey Anang, Joseph Momodu, Alphonse Menyo, Gina Castel, Ijeoma Grace Agu, Hadar Busia-Singleton, Cida Morrison, Darryl Freeman & more

Phoenix Fury was written, directed and produced by Ifeoma N Chukwuogo.

• The Legend Of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos

After a successful world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival on 7 September 2024, the social thriller makes its way to AFRIFF. Directed by AS Elijah The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos tells the story of a young mother from a waterfront from a slum in Lagos who stumbles upon a corrupt blood money.

It features Samuel Okechukwu, Temitope Ogungbamila, Bisola Akinmuyiwa, Elijah Atinkpo, Tina Edukpo, James Tayler, and Mathew Cerf. 

• Out Of Breath

A KAN production, directed by Obi Emelonye and written by Ngozi Ideh. Out of Breath will close the festival and will screen on Friday, November 8, 2024. It delves into the depths of an ancient Igbo village where a sinister tradition threatens the very essence of its people. 

Led by Kanayo O. Kanayo, Chidi Mokeme, Jide Kene Achufusi, Ebele Okaro, Queen Nwokoye, Obi Okoli, Chineye Ndebe, and Echelon Mbadiwe, the film sheds light on the harrowing plight of “Nna Obioha,” a village elder who dares to defy the cruel tradition that demands the sacrifice of a servant upon an elder’s death. Inspired by true events, the narrative challenges the entrenched beliefs of the community, exploring the resilience of the human spirit against centuries-old customs.

Others in Out Of Competition category includes Kaka by Prince Danie, Ojoche by Yemi Morafa, The Artifacts by Tolu Lord-Tanner, The Other Side of the Bridge by Fiyin Gambo, Definitely Not an Angel (DNA) by Precious I. Okpala and Tagwaye, a tale of twins by Abubakar Mohamed.