The African film industry is buzzing with anticipation for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Widely regarded as the “African Oscars,” the AMVCA isn’t just an awards ceremony; it’s a high-octane celebration of our stories, our fashion, and the sheer technical brilliance of filmmakers around the continent.
With the call to entry now officially open, all eyes are on the films that defined 2025 and could dominate the ceremony in May 2026. This year also marks an exciting shift with the introduction of new categories, such as Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Central Africa, signalling a more inclusive era for continental storytelling.
We saw a series of blockbuster releases and record-breaking titles that captured audiences and sparked conversations across the continent. While the jury ultimately decides the nominees, the streets are already talking. Based on the incredible run of films released between January and December 2025, here are a few movies we would like to see dominate the nominations:
To Kill a Monkey: If any Nigerian film broke the internet in 2025, it was To Kill a Monkey. Kemi Adetiba proves once again why she’s at the top of her game, delivering a bold and culturally resonant story full of ambition, moral conflict, and unforgettable moments. Anchored by a powerful performance from William Benson, the film explores ambition, desperation, and compromise in a way that feels deeply relatable to the Nigerian experience. With exceptional production value, a memorable soundtrack, and storytelling that sticks with you long after the credits roll, To Kill a Monkey is a film made for AMVCA recognition across major categories.
3 Cold Dishes: The AMVCAs have always stood for celebrating the very best of African storytelling, and 3 Cold Dishes fits squarely into that tradition. It is a bold, well-told story that centres African women, African realities, and the kind of cross-border narratives that reflect the continent’s shared experiences.
Led by a standout performance from Osas Ighodaro, the film flips familiar narratives by placing women at the heart of a revenge story shaped by trauma, survival, and justice. Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and executively produced by Burna Boy, the film moves across multiple African countries, using its scale to spotlight the realities of human trafficking without losing emotional depth. Its strong storytelling, cultural relevance, and ambition make 3 Cold Dishes one of the most notable African films of late 2025 and a deserving AMVCA contender.
Mother of the Brides: Africa Magic delivers another hit with Mother of the Brides, a Lagos family drama full of heart, humour, and tension. When their father dies without a will, a matriarch has just 45 days to marry off one of her four daughters or risk losing everything to tradition and scheming in-laws. Her mother works tirelessly to keep the family together amid pressure from relatives and society.
The film doesn’t just show weddings and family drama; it also highlights the darker side of titled families in Nigeria, exposing secrets, power struggles, and the lengths people will go to protect their interests. With strong performances from Gloria Anozie-Young, Kalu Ikeagwu, Linda Ejiofor, Uche Chika Elumelu, and Ibrahim Suleiman, Mother of the Brides delivers laughs, tension, and storytelling, making it a clear standout for AMVCA attention.
Baby Farm: Mo Abudu and EbonyLife hit another high note with Baby Farm, a gripping drama series that shines a light on the dark world of “baby factories.” Starring Rita Dominic and Onyinye Odokoro, the film follows a young woman lured into a prestigious Lagos NGO only to uncover a sinister trafficking ring. Heavy, intense, and impeccably executed, Baby Farm combines blockbuster production quality with socially relevant storytelling, the kind of film that has the power to dominate the AMVCA nominations.
My Father’s Shadow: A cinematic landmark, My Father’s Shadow is the first Nigerian film to grace the Cannes Official Selection. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr., the story follows two young brothers reconnecting with their elusive father against the backdrop of 1993 Lagos. With a powerhouse performance from Sope Dirisu, the film is a poetic exploration of family, memory, and a nation on the brink of change. Its visual storytelling, direction, and performances make it a strong contender for technical and acting awards.
From bold, socially conscious blockbusters to intimate, character-driven stories, 2025 was a remarkable year for African cinema. Each of these films shows the range, depth, and ambition of filmmakers across the continent, telling stories that are both locally grounded and globally resonant. As the 12th edition of the AMVCA approaches, we hope these standout titles get submitted and have the chance to be recognised for the impact, creativity, and storytelling they brought to the screen.
