This August, Nigerian filmmakers are showcasing their talent through compelling and socially-aware storytelling. Are you prepared for a movie month that promises both excitement and reflection? We have carefully curated a selection of five essential films tense thrillers, impactful action, and deep dramas—that are a must-see before September arrives.
1. HAKEEM: SEEKING JUSTICE
Dir. JC Skillz
A gritty, vengeance-driven action drama. Deyemi Okanlawon is Hakeem, an ex-officer whose family was murdered. Now he’s on a brutal mission to uncover the conspiracy and dismantle the rigged system that allowed it to happen. It’s a dark, psychological dive into corruption and personal demons, fueled by tense, high-stakes action. Forget spectacle; this is raw, emotional realism. With a strong cast including Chioma Chukwuka and Zubby Michael.
2. DEAD TIDE
Dir. Soji Ogunnaike
A political conspiracy thriller set against the gritty coastal backdrop of Badagry. A reformed militant (Ikechukwu Onunaku) running a beach bar has his quiet life destroyed when a speech-impediment influencer (Eniola Ajao) films the president’s son committing a murder. Forced into hiding together, this unlikely duo must outsmart assassins and expose a deadly truth. It’s a sleek, locally grounded story of survival with strong performances and striking visuals.
3. REVELATIONS
Dirs. Martins Samuel & RMD
An ambitious cross-cultural drama. RMD stars as a man in a Nigerian-American marriage strained by infertility and identity crises. Long-buried secrets unravel across two worlds: the chaotic energy of Lagos and the rugged, beautiful deserts of Utah. Already an award-winner, this film is a visually stunning and emotionally precise story about universal themes, powered by RMD’s commanding lead performance.
4. THE BENEFACTOR
Dir. Adeoluwa Owu
A tense, serious pivot from comedy. This is a layered drama about power, silence, and institutional complicity. A rising musician’s life is upended when her former benefactor returns with a chilling ultimatum. Her refusal to comply pulls back the curtain on a system designed to protect abusers. Featuring powerful actors like Akin Lewis and Bimbo Manuel, it’s a socially resonant critique that isn’t afraid to challenge uncomfortable truths.
5. DARK PATH
Dirs. Adebayo Tijani & Femi Adebayo
A heartfelt emotional drama. After her brother’s tragic death, a young woman (Yetibae) is torn between pursuing her own dreams and the crushing duty to care for her aging parents. Set against a backdrop of family, tradition, and grief, it blends Yoruba and English for cultural authenticity. With powerhouse performances from Sola Sobowale and Broda Shaggi, it’s a poignant story about sacrifice, destiny, and family obligation.
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