2023 Movie Highlights

By Patience Chat Moses

As the year draws its curtains, the movie industry, locally and internationally, is ready to give the memorable December with the release of some new movies.

First on the list is “Afamefuna”, a Kayode Kasum-directed film, which explores the Igbo apprenticeship system and how it revitalized the community’s economy by allowing successful Igbo men to pass on their knowledge and blessings to apprentices, thereby, increasing the cycle of wealth creation. It stars Paul Nnadiekwe, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Stan Nze, Alexx Ekubo, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Segun Arinze, Jide Kene Achufusi, and Noble Igwe.

Next is “Blood Vessel,” a movie that brings Nigeria’s terrible oil pollution effects to the limelight. Brought together by chance, six people fleeing a town devastated by oil pollution stow away on a mysterious ship not realizing the dangers that await them.

Written by David Musa Jeffrey, “Blood Vessel” is a mystery and crime thriller from Charles Okpaleke’s Play Network Studios. Directed by Moses Inwang and starring David Ezekiel, Adaobi Dibor and Jide Kene Achufusi; “Blood Vessel” is on Netflix this December as revealed by Netflix.

Next in line is “Breath of Life.” Directed by B.B Sasore and produced by Eku Edewor, this heartwarming masterpiece delves into the transformative journey of Timi, an extraordinarily gifted and wealthy man grappling with the depths of grief and despair following a tragic loss.

However, after meeting Elijah and encountering his unwavering kindness and compassion, Timi embarks on a journey of self-discovery, rediscovering the joy of living and unravelling the true purpose of his wealth.

“Breath of Life” serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail, guided by empathy, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity.

The film features a stellar cast of talented actors such as Wale Ojo, who delivers a compelling performance as Timi. Chimezie Imo brings warmth and authenticity to the role of Elijah, the humble young man who becomes Timi’s housekeeper. Genoveva Umeh, Ademola Adedoyin, and Eku Edewor lend their talents to supporting roles, adding depth and dimension to the film’s narrative. Sam Dede, Tina Mba, and Sambasa Nzeribe bring their veteran presence to the cast, enriching the film with their captivating portrayals.

The Hollywood movie, “Candy Cane Lane” is next on our list. With Eddie Murphy as the main character, “Candy Cane Lane “is a holiday film that tells the story of a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest.

He makes a pact with an elf to help him win and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town. It is on Netflix since December 1.

Another film on our list is “A Tribe Called Judah”. A Nollywood film about a family who decides to rob a mall with the help of their mother.

However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers. Co-directed by Adeoluwa Owu and Funke Akindele, the film stars Jidekene Achufusi, Olumide Owuru, Timini Egbuson, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde as the sons of Jedidah Judah, played by Funke Akindele. Also starring Genoveva Umeh, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ebele Okaro, Uzor Arukwe and Yvonne Jegede, “A Tribe of Judah” debuted December 15th.

Torn between the harsh realities of her profession and entangled in a web of crime, Osato’s journey unfolds in the next film titled “Osato”.

Starring Big Brother Naija’s last winner, Phyna, who is the eponymous character, Shawn Faqua, Mercy Aigbe, and Femi Branch. The ROK Studios-produced film is in cinemas from December 8th.

Directed by Kenneth Gyang, the next movie, “This is Lagos”, tells the Journey of Stevo played by Gabriel Afolayan, a young man with an insatiable hunger for superstardom in a city where everyone wears a mask of some kind.

Also starring Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe, Mike Afolarin, and Laura Pepple, the film will be in cinemas soon.

The film is based on a short story by Crispin Oduobuk-MfonAbasi. Expected to be in cinemas in December, the date remains unannounced. These movies and many more await you this season of love and good tidings.