What to Watch in West Africa This February
This month of love, cozy up to these incredible romance, comedy and even horror titles from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.
Clip from “Something About The Briggs” directed by Bukola Ogunsola.
In this month’s What to Watch guide, we bring you romance, horror, and comedy films and series you can cozy up to this month of love. With films from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria, these stories explore family dynamics, the thrill and danger of starting afresh, the power of old love, and the pitfalls of passion.
Check out the complete list below.
‘Summer Rain’ (Nigeria)
In Summer Rain, a propulsive love story takes center stage. When two teenage lovebirds are pulled apart by circumstance and reconnect 10 years later as adults, they are forced to evaluate the strength of their current relationships and put the all-consuming power of a past that never was to the test. The film is a simple yet beautifully delivered story featuring Nollywood heavyweights Bolaji Ogunmola (Strangers, MizBehaviour, A Simple Lie, Hotel Labamba), Daniel Etim Effiong (A Weekend To Forget, Still Falling, Collision Course), Genoveva Umeh (Far From Home, Breath Of Life, Blood Sisters) and many others. With Effiong’s stellar romcom resume and Ogunnola’s charming performance, Summer Rain promises all the feels and longing expected from a perfect romance flick.
Where to watch: In theatres, February 7.
‘Nhi’ (Cote d’Ivoire)
In Sarah Atita’s Nhi, the ethereal is in close contact with the real world, blurring lines and disregarding the rules of reality. The story follows Nhi Diallo (played by Ivorian actor Ephriam Oka), who is led into a world by a bald figure with blue eyes at a funeral. The film explores otherworldly themes with a steady, intensely serious gaze, making for a compelling and insightful watch. Alongside Ephiriam Oka (Niabla, Rozalie), Nhi also stars Bacome Niamba (Shuga, Or Blanc),Samuel Djedje, Elisé Essoh, and others.
Where to watch: Pathé Ivory Coast, February 7.
‘Indlu Yesono: The House Of Sin’ (Cote d’Ivoire)
When Abla and David move to a remote home searching for a fresh start, they enter a world of curses, terrifying horror, and a nightmare they cannot escape. Directed by Djobolé Edgar Ahouné, ‘Indlu Yesono: The House Of Sin is an ambitious horror film with sharp attention to the horrors and anxiety of seeking a clean slate and ending up with something more sinister and unexpected.
Where to watch: Majestic Cinema, Abidjan.
‘Poisonous Affair’ (Ghana)
The story in Poisonous Affair explores the thin line between passion and self-destruction. It examines the lives of couples whose opposing lifestyles foster resentment, ultimately leading to a toxic and nearly irreparable conflict. Directed by Ebenezer Winnerman, Poisonous Affair explores modern love and a sharply articulated commentary on the dangers of excesses. The film stars Acheampong Sarkodie, Benjamin Kingsford, Curtis Osei Kuffuor, Gideon Abire, Kwaku Asante and many others.
Where to watch: Silverbird Cinema, Accra.
‘Tarella: Princess of The Nile’ (Nigeria)
What would it look like if Cinderella was set in a West African kingdom? Tarella: Princess Of The Nile explores that thesis in a refreshing, playful and colorfully written story. In Tarella, a young maiden is orphaned, living with unkind relatives. After catching the eye of the prince, the two of them must fight to overcome the many challenges that oppose their relationship and make them an unlikely pair. The film stars Richard Mofe Damijo (The Black Book, Christmas in Lagos, Chief Daddy, and Castle), Elvina Ibru ( To Freedom, The Bling Lagosians, Sanitation Day, Alter Ego), Timini Egbuson ( Big Love, A Tribe Called Judah, Elevator Baby, Dinner at My Place), Okawa Shaznay (Iyore, Sisters At War, In My Country, Crossed Path), and many others.
Where to watch: In theatres, February 7.
‘The Most Toasted Girl’ Season Two (Nigeria)
In the first season of The Most Toasted Girl, Nengi Adoki proves herself a captivating series actor as a young, partially employed woman living in Lagos and navigating its horrendous dating scene. In the show’s upcoming second season, Adoki’s character returns with even more drama, more unpredictable twists, and her penchant for getting into the most unbelievable situations. The series’ unconventional vlogger and third-person POV style has made it endearing to viewers and promises to be even more so in a new season that stars Zainab Balogun (Sylvia, The Beads, God Calling), Theresa Edem (My Village People, KM17, Hotel Majestic), Philip Asaya (Cake, Kill Boro, Slum King) and others.,
Where to watch: YouTube, February 20.
‘Something About The Briggs’ (Nigeria)
In Something About The Briggs, a poignant dramedy about love and the effects of dysfunctional family relationships, a young woman who is confident her family is cursed with bad marriages takes her fiancé to meet members of her family in a bid to change his mind from getting married. With brilliant cinematography from KC Obiajulu (Over The Bridge, Glamour Girls, Knockout Blessing), that elevates the story, traps the tension where needed, and seamlessly shifts the tone when the scenes get comical. Something About The Briggs is a beautiful story that doesn’t get ahead of itself. The film stars Rita Dominic (‘76, Light In The Dark, La Femme Anjola, The Meeting, The Trade), Stan Nze ( Suspicion, Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, Prophetess), Nobert Young (Tokunbo, Gold Statue, Day Of Destiny) and others.
Where to watch: Now in theatres.