Nigeria just turned 62 years old, and for a nation that is this young, we have been through a checkered history. And if you are one of those who in the next few years seek to proudly say “we have left a lot behind”, maybe you should learn about Nigeria’s history. And what better way to do that, than through the lenses of some solid Nollywood filmmakers.
Now, here are my top 3 Nollywood Independence Day-themed films recommendation for you to watch.
October 1
Produced and directed by Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, October 1, is set in the colonial era, just before the Nigerian flag was raised for the independence ceremony.
It tells the story of a police officer, Danladi Waziri, who deployed from Northern Nigeria to the Western town of Akote to unravel the mystery behind the frequent killing of female residents of the community before October 1.
The film highlights tribalism, colonisation, homosexuality, and pedophilia, and showcases the Nigerian lifestyle in the ’60s.
The film stars Sadiq Daba, Kayode Olaiya, Kehinde Bankole, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, and Bimbo Manuel, amongst others.
Half Of A Yellow Sun
This screen adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s groundbreaking novel of the same title is referred to as a classic tale of the costs of Nigeria’s independence. it tells the tale of two privileged sisters who go on completely different journeys as they navigate their way through the Biafra Civil War.
The film explored war, inter-tribal killings, love, and the struggle for Biafra’s independence.
Half of a Yellow Sun Stares Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Onyeka Onwenu, Anika Noni Rose, Genevieve Nnaji, OC Ukeje, John Boyega, and a host of others.
‘76
This film directed by Izu Ojukwu, Set in the 1970s, Nearly 2 decades after Nigeria’s independence, tells the story of a young officer who was accused of being involved in the abortive 1976 coup that led to the assassination of the military head of state, Murtala Muhammed.
The story is also woven around the soldier’s pregnant wife, (played by Rita Dominic) who went through the pains of childbirth and the struggles of helping her husband prove his innocence. It stars Nollywood bigwigs like Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, and others.