by Augusta Òkon
I am delighted to inform you that this series will end today. The creative sector has myriad opportunities to take unique stories from strictly Nigerian and tell them to the world.
Ake: The Years of Childhood (2016)
Based on the 1981 childhood memoir of same title written by Prof. Wole Soyinka which took place before and during World War 11 in a village called ‘Ake’ where he spent the first twelve years of his life. It was adapted into a movie by Dapo Adeniyi. It was shot in Abeokuta, Ibadan, Lagos and East Grinstead UK. The 2 hours 31 minutes movie released on Prime video stars Yinka Davies, Olanike Onimisi, Emem Effiong, Toyin Abiodun, Gbenga Ajiboye, Yemi Solade, Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka) and was directed by Dapo Adeniyi.
Dere: An African Tale (2016)
A six-part series adaptation of the classic fairy tale ‘Cinderella’ by Ebonylife films on Netflix. After experiencing a tragic loss, a woman must resist a new family dynamic that aims to control her life and the future of her father’s company. Stars Weruche Opia, Shaffy Bello, Gbenro Ajibade, Ekpeyong Bassey Inyang, Iretiola Doyle, Carol King, and Kevin Ushi.
On Monday of last week (2017)
Award winning Ghanaian/American filmmaker and producer Akosua Adoma Owusu via her production company Obibini Pictures obtained the film rights to the short story written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which is part of the collection of twelve short stories from “The thing around your Neck”.
It was adapted into a 14 minutes short film and tells the story of a Nigerian woman working as a nanny taking care of the son of an inter-racial couple in America, who longs to be the wife’s muse having been intrigued by her. It stars Karyn Parsons (Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Ladies Man), Chinasa Ogbuagu (The Following), Peter Rini (Orange is the New Black).
An adaptation of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s 1962 play “The Lion and the Jewel” by Tunde Kelani. It stars Ibrahim Chetta, Adebayo Salami, Lanre Hassaan, Aisha Onitiri, Adebayo Salami, and Rich Tanksley. It tells the story of a beautiful village girl with an Oba and Kunle the village school teacher, doing all what they can to gain her affection. The latter is financially incapacitated while the Oba though way older can give her the life that she seeks.
He partakes in a wrestling contest to prove that he is still strong and overcomes his opponent. He proves that he is the lion and she the jewel, making her finally give in. The movie was screened in Akure, Ondo State at the conference on Soyinka and Fagunwa powered by the Fagunwa Study Group to honour Prof Wole Soyinka at 85. It also was viewed at OOPL cinemas in 2017.
Hello Rain (2018)
2011 African futuristic science fiction short story, Hello Moto, written by Nnedi Okorafor tells the story of three witch scientists who create magical wigs that gives them access to supernatural powers which can end up destroying Nigeria if not stopped. It was adapted and directed by C.J ‘Fiery’ Obasi in 2018 as a thirty minutes short film “Hello, Rain” and stars Ogee Nelson, Keira Hewatch, Tunde Aladese, Samuel Asa’ah, and Emmanuel Ilemobayo.
Tenants of The House (2019)
An adaptation of the novel of same title produced by the award-winning author, Wale Okediran and directed by Kunle Afolayan. It stars Joselyn Dumas, Yakubu Mohammed, Dele Odule, Taiwo Hassan, Isa Bello, Funky mallam, Umar Gombe, and gives a fictional account of the author’s tenure when he served as a member of the House of Representatives. The story unfolds the sinister plot to oust the speaker of the House of Representatives with Honorable Samuel finding himself among politicians with bad intents, and making him an important figure in the battle for the House’s leadership.
The Smart Money Woman (2020 / 2024)
It is based on the 2016 financial literacy book “The Smart Money Woman: An African Girl’s Journey To Financial Freedom” written by Arese Ugwu which teaches personal finance lessons. It tells the story of a broke Zuri who looks a million bucks on the outside. She embarks on a journey to make better financial decisions and navigates her way to building wealth and attaining financial success.
Directed by Bunmi Ajakaiye, it takes us through the different lives, friendships, romance and financial decisions of five women living in Lagos. Season 1 (13 episodes) aired on Africa Magic Showcase from September 2020 starring Osas Ighodaro, Toni Tones, Ini Dima-Okojie, Kemi ‘lala’ Akindoju and Ebenezer Eno and then streamed on Netflix (streamlined into 7 episodes) in September 2021. Season 2 of the series kicked off on October 31st 2024, bringing back Zuri, Ladun, Tami, Adesuwa, and Lara, alongside new comers viewed on Azuwa Studios YouTube channel.
The Wait (2021)
It is a 2 hours 14 minutes adaptation of the book “God’s Waiting Room” 1-4 authored by Yewande Zaccheus. It tells the story of a couple desperate to have a baby and waiting alongside a devoted obstetrician. The latter sets up a support group where women waiting to have children can vent their anger. It is a testament to the fact that it is not a fruitless venture to wait for God as He will come through for you. Directed by Yemi Morafa and Fiyin Gambo, produced by Yewande’s Eventful Nigeria and Tolu ‘Lord’ Tanner, the movie stars Nse Ikpe-Etim, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ini Dima-Okojie, Kate Henshaw, Joke Silva, Chimezie Imo, Jimmy Odukoya and Meg Otanwa.
Swallow (2021)
The 2008 novel written by Sefi Atta tells the story of Tolani who despite working at the Federal Community Bank struggles to make ends meet in the 1980s, during the Buhari/Idiagbon military rule alongside her roommate/colleague Rose. Rose is shown the door and succumbs to her boyfriend’s request to smuggle hard drugs out of the country. Unwilling to walk the path alone, she tries to convince Tolani to hop on the smuggling train. Tolani initially contemplates carrying it out but doesn’t see it through while Rose on the other hand dies of the hard drugs she ingested. The tragic event forces Tolani to return to her hometown and start over.
It was adapted into a movie directed by Kunle Afolayan which streamed on Netflix starring Eniola ‘Niyola’, Ijeoma Grace Agu, Kelvin Ikeduba, Eniola Badmus Chioma Chukwuka and Deyemi Okanlawon.
Ògbójú Ọdẹ Nínú Igbó Irúnmọlẹ̀ (2021/2024)
Ògbójú Ọdẹ nínú Igbó Irúnmọlẹ̀ written by D.O. Fagunwa was published by the Church Missionary Society Bookshop, Lagos in 1938 and is one of the first novels written in Yorùbá. It was translated into English by Wole Soyinka in 1968 under the title “Forest of a Thousand Daemons: A Hunter’s Saga” with the literal translation as “The Brave Hunter in the Forest of 400 Deities”. It tells the story of the adventures of the hunter Akara-Ogun and was brought to life on stage by the visionary Wale Ogunyemi during FESTAC 77 as ‘Lagbodo’.
There was the TV adaptation of D.O Fagunwa’s “A Forest of a Thousand Daemons” in the 80’s by defunct Television Service of Oyo state (TSOS). Owokaz Studio adapted it as an episodic animation in 2021 about a Hunter sharing his experience in the Irunmale forest. It can be viewed on their YouTube channel.
Igbó Olódùmarè (The Forest of God)
It is the second novel by D.O. Fágúnwà published in 1949 and unveils the adventures of Olowo- Aiye, the father of the protagonist in his first book. It was adapted as a TV series and broadcast in the south west on Sundays. Jimoh Aliu and his theatre group also adapted it for stage for the Ondo State Television Service, Akure (i.e. filmed play).
Cordelia (2021)
An adaptation of Femi Osofisan’s novella of same title. Set in the early 1990’s during the military era in Nigeria, the 1hr 37 minutes movie tells the story of a lecturer in a disturbed marriage who fails to show his teaching prowess to students. Two students show up with one bringing his lack lustre performance to the fore and the other, Cordelia, who later turns out to be at the center of a major riot in the school. Movie stars Femi Adebayo, Omowunmi Dada, Bukunmi Adeola, Jumoke Ajadi, Peter Akande, Ropo Ewenla, Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey and Kelechi Udegbe.
The New Patriots (2021)
Produced by Dr. Rotimi Adelola, directed by Adebayo Tijani and Terry Ayebo, it was inspired by the novel “Patriots and Sinners” written by Nnenna Ihebom. The political action drama is set in the fictional republic of Araguna and brings to the fore the corruption infested political terrain alongside political heavy weights pulling the strings of the government and oppressing the masses. However, the new patriots i.e. youths rise to the occasion to bring about positive change via peaceful means. It stars Akin lewis, Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Oshin, Dele Odule and Taiwo Ibiunkle.
Crushed Roses (2022)
Adapted from “Crystals in the Mud”, an anthological novelette by Ibiere Addey, it is the first tale in a planned big-screen anthology of the same name. It tells the story of inseparable best friends Zainab and Wale, both students at the University in the late 90’s. Wale is every lady’s dream guy and Zainab’s secret heart throb who believes he is God’s perfect creation. They look good together and are often misconstrued by others as both hang out together. Zainab is a poet and despite fellow poet’s presence, Boma, she has eyes for only one guy. The 17 minutes short film stars Tolulope Osalie, Temilolu Fosudo, Dami Deremi, Ugoh Amanda and was directed by Taiwo Egunjobi.
Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman (2022)
Published in 1975, the play ‘Death and the King’s Horseman’ authoredby Prof Wole Soyinka is also based on a real incident that occurred back in 1946 during colonial times in Nigeria, where the Elesin (the King’s horseman) was prevented from committing ritual suicide by the colonial authorities. It was adapted into a movie by Mo Abudu which streamed on Netflix and was directed by the late Biyi Bandele. It stars Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello, Olawale ‘Brymo’ Olofooro, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada, Kevin Ushi, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Joke Silva and Mark Elderkin.
I Do Not Come To You By Chance (2023)
An adaptation of the award winning 402 paged novel by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani which was published in 2009.The 1hr 44 minutes movie directed by Ishaya Bako and produced by Chioma Onyenwe, with Genevieve Naji and Chinny Cater as Executive producers, tells the story of a young man who is drawn into the world of cybercrime in a bid to secure his family’s future. It stars Paul Nnadiekwe, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jennifer Eliogu, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Funny bone, Francis Duru, Sambasa Nzeribe, Uche Macaulay, Norbet Young and Beverly Osu. It premiered at AFRIFF in 2023.
This is Lagos (2023)
An adaptation of Crispin Oduobuk-Mfon Abasi’s short story produced by Kenneth Gyang, Tom Rowlands-Rees, Jide Makinde and Charles Okpaleke as Executive Producer. Also directed by Kenneth Gyang, the movie portrays the captivating journey of Stevo, a young man with an insatiable hunger for superstardom in a city where everyone wears a mask of sorts. It stars Gabriel Afolayan, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe, Sani Muazu, David Jones David, Greg Ojefua, Mike Afolarin, Jibrin Homsuk and with special appearance by Jesse Jagz. It secured nine nominations at the Africa Academy Awards (AMAA) 2024.
A six-part TV series from Walt Disney Animation Studios in co-production with Kugali, based on the comic book Iwaju series from the stables of the latter. It tells the story of Tola, a bright young girl living on the island. She learns about responsibility but becomes class conscious when she becomes friends with Kole, who is less well-off. To further complicate matters, there’s a series of kidnappings in the poorer half of the city by the gangster, Bode. It can be viewed on Disney + and in Africa on the Disney channel. Voice cast include Simisola Gbadamosi, Siji Soetan, Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch and Weruche Opia.
The Man Died (2024)
An adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s memoir of his arrest and 22-months imprisonment as a political prisoner. Directed by Awam Amkpa, it stars Wole Ojo, Sam Dede, Segilola Ogidan, Norbert Young, Edmund Enabe, Francis Onwochei, Christiana Oshunniyi, Similoluwa Hassan and Abraham Amkpa, among others. The movie was written by Bode Asiyanbu and produced by Femi Odugbemi. It premiered at AFRIFF 2024.
The Hotel Room (2024)
Premiered at AFRIFF 2024, the short film was inspired by Comfort Booth’s collection of short stories “Human Nature”. Produced by Judith Audu with Comfort Booth and Adebowale Adeyemo as Executive producers, it unravels the story of a woman’s journey to the world beyond who is driven by the desire for revenge against her abusive husband.
Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again (2024)
Authored by Ola Rotimi and published by University Press PLC in 1977, it was first performed in 1966 at the Yale school of drama. In 2024, the Ijele Renaissance Theatre released an adapted filmed stage play directed by Chidi. E. Chidi which can be viewed on YouTube. Albert Egbe also produced the TV adaptation (13 episodes).
It tells the story of Lekoja-Brown, an ex-army Major who delves into the world of politics. His problems worsen with the arrival of his wife Liza, who has been studying medicine in the USA. She discovers he has two more wives and soon becomes the puppet master pulling their strings further adding to the tumultuous challenges he is grappling with in the political arena.
Iyanu (2025)
It is an adaptation of Roy Okupe’s graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” published by Dark Horse Comics. The animated series by Lion Forge Entertainment is set in a magical Yoruba Kingdom where an orphan, Iyanu, must uncover the mystery behind her new found powers in order to save her people from an ancient curse.
Voice cast includes Serah Johnson, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Shaffy Bello. It debuted on Cartoon Network on April 5, 2025 and also streamed on Showmax.
Tarella: Princess of the Nile (2025)
An African remake of the Cinderella story set in Akkaya, a mythical kingdom in West Africa produced by Lolo Eremie. It tells the story of Prince Nosa, heir to the throne and Tarella, the orphaned maiden who must overcome different challenges in their quest to find true love and their happily ever after ending. It has been termed as an afro fantasy movie with Eremie having been inspired by the original Cinderella based on an Egyptian girl called Rhodopis.
Co-directed with Kayode Kasum, the movie stars Timini Egbuson, Okawa Shaznay, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Gideon Okeke Chioma Idigo, Elvina Ibru, Ummi Baba-Ahmed, William Chinoyenem, Rebecca Nengi Hampson, Preach Bassey, Onyinye Ezekwe, and William Benson.
Ruwan Bagaja (The Water Of Cure)
There is the adaptation of the popular Hausa folktale called Ruwan Bagaja as discussed by Yahaya, Ibrahim Yaro in “Tatsuniyoyi Da Wasanni: Littafi Na Huɗu (1971). The movie adaptation of the folklore was directed by Iliyasu Abdulmumin in 1987 and tells the story of a man with two wives (Bora and Mowa) who bear two daughters, but he loves and shows favoritism to the latter. The former is badly treated and wallows in poverty in the midst of plenty. One day, Mowa’s daughter bed wets but the blame is put on Bora’s daughter. She is ordered to go and wash the bed sheet in River Bagaja which is very far and difficult to reach.
She obeys and goes in search of Ruwan bagaja (water of bagaja). It’s a tedious journey but she finds it, washes the bed-sheets, obeys the instructions and a miracle occurs. She returns to the city in victory riding a horse with escorts, amidst the pump and pageantry. Desperate to have such honour bestowed on her daughter and her, Mowa instructs her daughter to bed-wet. In like manner, she is asked to go and wash the bed-sheets. However, as a result of her haughtiness, she returns on a donkey along with lepers as escorts, thus both mother and daughter live in poverty for the rest of their lives.
The main version based on the 1933 literary competition, where Ruwan Bagaja (The Water of Cure) by Malam Abubakar Imam Kagara emerged as one of the five winning books, subsequently published in 1934. The author was inspired to write Ruwan Bagaja after reading al-Ḥarīrī’s Maqāmāt alongside “The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales” and “Sinbad the Sailor”. The English version of the novel has the copyright holder as Amadu Ingawa in 1968 and was published by the Northern Nigeria Publishing Company. This version was first published in 1971 with a reprint in 1978.
The story also unveils the quest by the protagonist to find the water of cure. Late Kasimu Yero played the lead role while Mutuwa Dole played the role of Zurke Dan Muhamman in one of the versions. There is Ruwan Bagaja by Ramalan Nuhu and Kurba na Barm.
The Palm-Wine Drinkard/ Song of a Goat / The trials of Brother Jero
The Palm-wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola, Song of a Goat by J.P.Clark, The Trials of Brother Jero by Wole Soyinka were adapted for TV by Segun Olusola back then at WNTV which later became NTA Ibadan.
Tunde Kelani adapted the folk-opera – The Palmwine Drinkard by Kola Ogunmola written by Amos Tutuola starring Segun Adefila and directed by Tunde Awosanmi. The play was recorded during the presentation at the Lagos Black Heritage Festival in 2016 and accessible via TK’s YouTube channel in 2020.
Lanke Omu, The Palmwine Drinkard
A re-adaptation of Kola Ogunmola’s operatic drama, Omuti “The Palmwine Drinkard”, who adapted it from Amos Tutuola’s novel of same title. It premiered as a stage play at the Arts Theatre of the University of Ibadan in April 1963. It is also accessible on Tunde Kelani’s YouTube channel.
The gods Are Not To Blame
Besides being a stage favourite by theatrical performers, the classic play was written by Ola Rotimi (an adaptation of the Greek play Sophocles Oedipus Rex of 430 BCE) to fit our culture as ‘The gods Are Not to Blame’. The story unveils the oracle’s prediction of a new born baby (male) who would grow up to kill his father and marry his mother. Well, the baby wasn’t killed as ordered by the diviner to avert the pending calamity, but ends up growing somewhere else. He later returns to fulfil the dark prophecy. It was adapted into a TV drama series under the Super Story ambit by Wale Adenuga Production (WAP). The actual TV production took place in Ikorodu in 2004.
Suara (Oh Father! Oh Daughter!)
Just as Papa Ajasco was adapted to the screens from Ikebe Super, Suara in 2001 was also adapted from the Super Story magazine for TV by Wale Adenuga productions but with the title “Oh Father! Oh Daughter!” It was the first in the super story line up and tells the story of Suara who convinces Abike his wife to sleep with a wealthy man so he can clinch the job. She does and the money starts rolling in. He soon meets the cunning Toyin Tomato and abandons his wife for her and things later go awry. It stars Yemi Adeyemi, Sola Sobowale, Bukky Wright, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Oshin, Antar Laniyan, Lere Paimo, Ngozi Nwosu among others.
Réré Rún (Lion of Mogun)
The Lion of Mogun (Imògún) is an adaptation of the classic Yoruba play “Rere Run ((Havoc is wrecked), written by Okediji Oladejo. Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) 2006 TV adaptation (22 episodes) on the platform of Super Story brought the play to life. Another adaptation was made by Why PJ Video Production in 2001 but it towed the creative freedom path by making Lawuwo the labour leader victorious at the end of the film, despite being insane.
Coming Soon
Radio Sunrise
The 2017 novel by award-winning author Anietie Isong has been adapted into a film by Royal Arts Academy and Closer Pictures. Production commenced in early 2022 in Lagos and some parts of the Niger Delta region. It tells the story of Ifiok, who works in a radio station in Lagos. He is unhappy with the media’s propagation of falsehood as well as the practice of accepting cash from news sources. Sadly, he is forced to join the band wagon due to circumstances beyond his control.
He travels to his home town to make a documentary about a band of ex militants, but comes face to face with the ugly truth about his beloved country’s future and his existence within. Uduak Isong Oguamanam of Closer Pictures in 2023 took to her Instagram page to share a first glimpse of the movie. It stars Akin Lewis, Bimbo Ademoye, Mr Macaroni and Uche Montana.
Things Fall Apart
Adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel of same title with Idris Elba David Oyelowo and AmandaN’Duka as Executive producers, is in the works. Published in 1958, the novel has been translated into over 60 languages and is known for being one of the best works ever written on the global stage. It has been adapted for film and TV with Pete Edochie playing the role of Okonkwo in the 1987 mini-TV series on the NTA Network. Idris Elba has been named to take on the challenging role of Okonkwo.
Dreams and Assorted Nightmares
Award winning author Abubakar Adam Ibrahim’s collection of short stories “Dreams and Assorted Nightmares” will be adapted into a film by Kenneth Gyang and Tom Rowland-Rees, co-founders of Cinema Kpatakpata, having secured the film and TV rights. The story is set in a fictional town in Nigeria, where a local man dies whenever a leaf falls from a certain tree.
The Passport of Mallam Illah
An adaptation of Cyprian Ekwensi’s book of same name by Magic Carpet Studios. It is predominantly a 2D animation movie infused with 3D elements in different scenes. It’s a story of two lovers (Zara and Ilia) alongside other characters such as Usman and Hassan. Ilia loves Zara deeply and can do anything for her. However, he suffers a grave loss that soon consumes him as he allows the trauma of his past rob him of his present joy which started on the night of the invasion of the city.
The film’s budget is $2 million with $1.5m having been invested while the raising of ($500,000) is still in the works. Set in Northern Nigeria, it unveils an ancient 19th-century tale of love, conquest, betrayal, and revenge. Voice actors include Di’Ja of Mavin Records and the late Sadiq Garba. The project is exploring streaming options with talks of a pre-sale to major services. The first look was released on April 11, 2025.
Ochre Moving Pictures & Akin Omotosho Adaptations
Powered on by Netflix, Ochre Moving Pictures and Akin Omotosho have pencilled down these novels to be adapted into movies;
‘Pirates’, a 2009 novel by Prof Femi Osofisan, which is based on a series of newspaper essays titled ‘Tales the Country Told Me’. The crime series unveils a well-respected newspaper columnist, who finds himself in the web of deceit and blackmail.
Helon Habila’s “Waiting for an Angel” will be adapted into a four-part television series by Newton Aduaka. It tells the story of a journalist/editor, Lomba, who was imprisoned by the General Sani Abacha on claims of fabricating lies that threatened the government.
‘Ibadan’, a novel based on Wole Soyinka’s memoirs, ‘Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years: A Memoir: 1945-1965’ will also be adapted into a drama series by Titilope Sonuga.
Joseph Adesunloye will adapt Teju Cole’s ‘Every Day is For The Thief’ as a 4 by 48 drama series.
Children of Blood and Bone
Nigerian American author Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of blood and Bone (the first instalment in the fantasy trilogy) published in 2018, is part of the legacy of Orisha trilogy (the other two being 2019’s Children of virtue and Vengeance and 2024’s Children of Anguish and Anarchy).
The first in the trilogy tells the story of Zelie Adebola, a girl who has magical powers and is set to fight an oppressive monarchy and give the magic back to her people. Rights to the book was first acquired by Fox 2000 Pictures and after the back and forth among companies, Paramount bought back the rights to the franchise in 2022. Gina Prince- Bythewood (The Woman King) will direct the movie. It has been slated for release in 2027.
The Almost Kiss (February)
The author of the Novel “The Almost Kiss”, Nick Nwaogu, has written the screenplay for its adaptation titled “February”. It tells the story of Chioma Okafor who having been pressured by her mother to start a romantic relationship with Uche, a young University Lecturer, does so, but secretly yearns for love. She finds this on valentine’s day after being introduced to Emeka who sadly is expecting a baby from his girlfriend Amara (Uche’s ex- girlfriend).
Ugly truths are brought to the fore that night and what Uche had planned to be an engagement proposal turns to a blood bath with Chioma barely clinging on to life. There are twists and turns until they realize that Uche isn’t dead and is on a revenge mission to end what he started with her. She turns to the smart Sergeant Femi Kolawole who uncovers an intriguing murder mystery. In the screenplay, Sergeant Femi Kolawole and Chioma solve the murder, with his heroic acts making her fall in love with him.
Blood On The Tide
Written by Neville Ukoli, the 194 paged novel was originally published in 1987 by Macmillan Nigeria. Albert Egbe secured the rights to the film and changed the title but nothing has been heard about any further development of same since 2017.
The Governor’s Wife
A 2002 novel written by Bisi Daniels which incidentally has Nollywood star, Rita Dominic, on the book cover. Corruption happens to be its underlining theme and the author as at 2017 was at the conceptualization stage of the film adaptation process. No new development has been heard about the adaptation.
Graveyard of An Anarchy 1850
An adaptation of Bashir Adepoju Bakare (a.k.a Bash Bakr) novel of same title. It’s a story of love, banishment and reclamation in pre-Independence Africa as the British and French armies struggle for control over the West Coast of the Atlantic and threaten to engulf Ifashanu’s kingdom and everything he holds dear. The author is still seeking to secure finances for the film’s production with principal photography initially projected to start by August/ September 2015 in Osun state with its release in 2016. Nothing has been heard about it as well.
Behold My Reedemer (Shijuwomi)
Based on Rasheed Gbadamosi’s 1968 book Behold My Reedemer was directed by Niji Akanni and adapted for the screen by Ola Rotimi, Femi Olugbile and Bayo Awala. For the screen adaptation, it tells the story of a spoilt lady studying in England who attempts suicide, and is brought back to the country. She checks into an institution and meets Dr. Ilori, a lecturer in Anthropology who marries her. Marriage doesn’t provide the succour she seeks as both pursue divergent interests which causes her to attempt another suicide. Love and conflict reign side by side in the movie. It stars Judith Audu, Ayo Lijadu, Bimbo Manuel, Femi Adebayo, Olu Okekanye, Tina Mba, and Jude Chukwuka. Rasheed Abiodun Gbadamosi was the Executive producer with the principal photography having started on April 5, 2015. No updates as to its release has been made.
Imagine This
The 2008 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book (African region) and World Book Day “Books to Talk About” award (shortlist) authored by Sade Adeniran, tells the story of young Lola, (British-born) who ends up with her aunt in a village in Nigeria called, Idogun. She is separated from her brother and father due to a number of unfortunate circumstances.
A potential 90 minutes animated feature adaptation was reportedly in the works in 2018 by the author who is also a producer and director with five short films in her kitty. She set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for concept art, a 30 seconds animation to pitch the project to financiers at the Annecy Animation Film Festival and by 2020 set up a Patreon page which shows a pitch deck for the movie. Still awaiting updates about its production.
Lagoon
Written by Prof. Nnedi Okorafor, it was optioned for Film and TV by a Toronto based Media Company. The story unveils Aliens in Lagos and is the author’s response to the 2009 controversial sci-fi “District 9” which was condemned for the negative portrayal of Nigeria.
Who Fears Death
Nnedi Okorafor’s 2010 novel ‘Who Fears Death’ was optioned for an HBO TV show, to be executively produced by George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones) in 2017. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Onyesonwu (meaning who fears death?) an Ewu, an Okeke-Nuru “dark-skinned/light-skinned” mixed blood, who wishes to destroy her father (from the oppressive Nuru clan) who raped her mother, an Okeke. As she grows older, so does her magical abilities and she one day learns that someone powerful is trying to kill her.
In a bid to escape the murderer and to understand who she really is, she goes on a journey and finally learns why she bears ‘Who Fears Death’. Nothing has been heard of any further development.
Binti
An adaptation of sci-fi novella of same title by Nnedi Okorafor, to be developed into a TV show targeted at premiering on Hulu. Nnedi Okorafor and Stacy Osei-Kuffour were named to pen the script. Binti tells the story of a brilliant and rebellious young woman who is destined to lead her community in Africa. However, upon admission to the most prestigious academy in the galaxy, she chooses a different path, rejects her family’s wishes and leaves her community behind in favour of the starry skies.
The Secret lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
It is the 2010 best selling novel by author Lola Shoneyin which tells the story of Baba Segi who takes a fourth wife, Bolanle, into his polygamous home. Events play out as expected of a polygamous family with each having secrets. It was announced in 2020 that Mo Abudu (via Ebony Life Studios) had signed a deal with her to adapt same for a series on the streaming giant, Netflix. There is still no news about same.
The Concubine
Published in 1966 as part of the Heinemann African Writers Series, Elechi’s Amadi’s debut novel follows the story of the widowed Ihuoma, a stunningly beautiful and kind woman who can’t seem to have a typical romantic relationship, especially marriage, due to her suitors dying under mysterious circumstances. The novel was adapted into a movie by Andy Amenechi and premiered in March 2007. It has not yet been officially released as of writing this though rumoured to be very lengthy and has been undergoing edits to reduce the duration.
Dreams Of Yesterday
Authored by Nollywood actor/producer Lilian Uchenna Amah, the 208 paged novel published in 2015 unfolds the story of Captain Lekan Lawson who finds love, gets married to an Igbo woman, but loses it with all the drama going on in the height of the Nigeria/Biafra civil war. The author was reported in 2015 to have announced her intention of adapting the novel to film but we haven’t been served fresh updates about the project as well.
Augusta Òkon is a Film adaptation advocate, story teller, Film Critic, lawyer, and author. She has served as member of the screening panel for AMAA, Inshort International Film Festival and Jury member, Lekki International Film Festival.
