I grew up watching epic movies where the “gods of the land” would strike anyone who didn’t comply. During that time, rites and sacrifices were offered to the gods in order to placate them and prevent their wrath.
It appeared as though the epic films were neglected or even devalued as Nollywood changed and started to include more modern components. Who wants to watch a movie about two communities battling it out over who gets to possess the land, anyhow, when you can have some hot and steamy romance, lighthearted comedy, or suspenseful horror instead?
But these classic themes are making a comeback, although with a more international audience. We are reintroducing our classic myths and legends from Nigeria to audiences both domestically and beyond. The aforementioned tendency signifies an increasing recognition of Nigeria’s abundant cultural legacy and an aspiration to conserve and advance native storytelling. This comeback has been largely attributed to streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, which give users access to a wide variety of content and allow Nigerian filmmakers to bypass conventional distribution constraints in order to reach a worldwide audience. Epic Indigenous films have been able to compete on a global scale thanks to this exposure, which has improved cross-cultural exchange and expanded the possibilities for African storytelling.
The Anikulapo series directed by Kunle Afolayan is one movie that helped pave the way for this comeback. This 2022 Netflix series centers on a fervent traveler who, following an extramarital affair with the king’s wife, passes into the afterlife and meets a mysterious bird that has the ability to provide him a second chance. Anikulapo: Rise of the Sceptre, the sequel, carries on this tale while striking a balance between cultural authenticity and universal appeal. The series achieved an impressive 8.73 million views in its first week of publication.
Bolanle Austen-Peters’ House of Ga’a is another movie with a comparable level of international acclaim. The pre-colonial governmental structure of the Oyo Empire is shown in this gripping military drama. The movie shot to the top of Netflix’s most-watched films list only a few weeks after its premiere. The film House of Ga’a has received accolades for its excellent cinematography, captivating story, and rich historical detail.
Netflix just revealed that Lisabi: The Uprising will debut on September 27, 2024, and that Lisabi: A Legend is Born, the sequel, will debut in January 2025, further escalating this momentum. The life and legacy of the renowned Yoruba hero Lisabi, who made a significant contribution to Nigerian history, are highlighted in these movies. With its captivating plot, vibrant cast of characters, and superb production qualities, the drama is sure to enthrall viewers and add even more variety to Netflix’s wide range of offerings.
It’s evident that epic movies are making a comeback in the Nollywood business, and perhaps this trend will continue. We should anticipate seeing more movies that portray Nigerian history and culture, told in the native tongues and dialects that give the narrative life, as more filmmakers adopt this style and viewers interact with it. In addition to enhancing the entertainment scene, this comeback is a potent reminder of our shared cultural history, both at home and abroad.
