Author: Olwanifemi Bakare

There is something profoundly unsettling about the state of contemporary Nigerian cinema. Not its output, which has grown exponentially, nor its technical capabilities, which continue to improve. What disturbs is the widening chasm between the films that represent Nigeria on the world stage and those that dominate local screens. It is as if we have…

On August 7, 2025, the 78th Locarno Film Festival witnessed a historic moment for Nigerian and African cinema as Ema Edosio-Deelen’s film When Nigeria Happens opened the prestigious Open Doors Africa section. This marked the first time an African film had the honour of opening this segment, underscoring the growing recognition and respect for African…