By Dami Oshodi
A journalist goes undercover as a sex worker to investigate the inhuman world of human trafficking but instead ends up as a victim herself. If that sounds familiar to you, then it’s probably because you’ve seen “Oloture,” a 2019 crime drama directed by Kenneth Gyang and produced by EbonyLife Films. Well, brace up, because a sequel of the movie will be released as a limited series this June on Netflix.
Gyang returns as director and so does Sharon Ooja as the determined, high-minded journalist.
But June also has other movies in store for Nigerian movie-lovers, from heart-pounding thrillers, to emotional dramas and light-hearted flicks—there’s something for everyone hitting screens big and small.
We’ve rounded up some can’t-miss Nigerian movies set for release this month, so grab your popcorn and dive in.
DEAFENING SLIENCE
Deafening Silence” shines a light both on the harsh realities of violence against women and the strength of those who survive it.
The movie, which stars Toni Tones, Kate Henshaw and Femi Jacobs, was directed by Biodun Stephen who is no stranger in making films about embattled women. In “Sista,” starring Kehinde Bankole in the lead, Stephen shows us the physical and emotional difficulty in being a single mother.
“Deafening Silence” premiered two days ago at EbonyLife Place and is now available in cinemas across the country.
MURI & Ko
We might as well call June the ‘Biodun Stephen Month’ because another film she directed, “Muri & Ko,” will premiere in cinemas this month. Produced by Inkblot Production, “Muri & Ko” follows in the comic tradition of “The Wedding Party” and “Quam’s Money.”
The movie follows a thief, the titular Muri (Kunle Remi), who steals a car only to discover an eight-year-old in it. Despite a police hunt, Muri finds himself developing a bond with the young passenger (a Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga who was impressive in Niyi Akinmolayan’s “Mikolo”).
The cast includes Bisola Aiyeola, Bucci Franklin and Gloria Anozie-Young. You can watch “Muri & Ko” when it premieres in cinemas on June 12.
OFFSHOOT
Directed by T. Steve Ayeny, “Offshoot” follows Modesire Mbakwe (Kehinde Bankole), a 40-year-old who has just been made the director of operations and investigations at Nigeria’s drug enforcement agency. As she goes to war against a powerful drug cartel, a shocking family secret is uncovered that will change Modesire’s life forever.
For Bankole, Modesire is a familiar role: in Bolanle Austen-Peters’ “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,” she played a woman who waged war against a corrupt establishment, a role for which she won the Best Lead Actress category at the last AMVCA.
Kelechi Udegbe, Ibrahim Suleiman and David Jones David also feature in the movie which premieres in cinemas on June 14.
LAKATABU
Directed by Odunlade Adekola, “Lakatabu” centers on a mysterious and influential man. Though details about the plot are scarce, the movie promises to explore the challenges, fears and consequences that come with being a powerful person.
Eniola Ajao, Aderinoye Babatunde and Yomi Fash-Lanso are some of the actors that feature in this movie, which premieres in cinemas on June 21.
ÓLÒTŪRÈ: THE JOURNEY
Set for release on Netflix on June 28, the limited series, like its prequel, follows a young Nigerian journalist who goes undercover to investigate the harrowing world of human trafficking.
Based in the bustling city of Lagos, it unveils how sex workers are lured and exploited overseas.
So what are you waiting for? Mark up your calendars and get ready for a month of thrill.