November 2025 belongs to Nollywood. From Burna Boy’s 3 Cold Dishes to thrilling dramas like Son of Iron and Son of the Soil, Nigerian cinema is delivering its most ambitious, diverse, and globally celebrated lineup yet.
LAGOS, NIGERIA — 2025-11-05 — November 2025 has officially become a blockbuster month for Nollywood, with seven major theatrical releases redefining the future of African cinema. From Burna Boy’s powerful film debut to spiritual dramas and family comedies, this month marks a new era of ambition, diversity, and global reach for Nigeria’s film industry.
Below are the six standout films lighting up the big screen this November — and why they matter.
1. 3 Cold Dishes — Burna Boy’s Directorial Breakthrough
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Genre: Pan-African Revenge Thriller
Nigerian music icon Burna Boy leads Nollywood’s charge into global cinema with 3 Cold Dishes, his debut as executive producer under Spaceship Films, co-founded with his mother, Bose Ogulu.
The film follows three women—Esosa (Nigeria), Fatouma (Côte d’Ivoire), and Giselle (Benin)—who reunite 20 years after surviving human trafficking to avenge the men who betrayed them. Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and written by Tomi Adesina, it was filmed across four African countries in English, French, and Yoruba, reflecting the continent’s cultural depth.
The $1 million production premiered at AFRIFF in Lagos and is set for international screenings in Los Angeles, Houston, and Atlanta. Critics hail it as a “Pan-African milestone” that blends social commentary with cinematic sophistication.
2. Son of Iron — A Journey of Ancestral Awakening
Release Date: November 14, 2025
Genre: Spiritual Drama
Son of Iron tells the story of Kunle, a young Nigerian man haunted by dreams of his late grandfather. These visions awaken an ancestral power that forces him to confront his fears and reclaim his identity.
Directed by Tunde Olaoye, the film stars Sola Sobowale, Tina Mba, Jide Kosoko, and Mr Macaroni. Blending folklore and modern life, the film explores themes of spirituality, heritage, and destiny—reaffirming Nollywood’s gift for telling deeply cultural yet universal stories.
3. Grandpa Must Obey — A Family Comedy with Heart
Release Date: November 21, 2025
Genre: Family Comedy
A refreshing comedic entry this season, Grandpa Must Obey follows the story of Mr. Okafor, a grumpy grandfather forced to care for his mischievous grandchildren. Amid chaos and laughter, he discovers forgiveness, family, and joy.
Directed by Chibuzor Afurobi and produced by Uche Okocha and Babatunwa Aderinokun, the film stars Kanayo O. Kanayo, Bimbo Akintola, and Yvonne Jegede. It’s a light-hearted reminder that love bridges every generational gap.
4. Son of the Soil — A Hero’s Redemption Story
Release Date: November 21, 2025
Genre: Action / Psychological Drama
Zion Ladejo, a former soldier tormented by his past, returns home after his sister’s murder to find his community controlled by a ruthless drug cartel. Son of the Soil captures his journey toward redemption, justice, and freedom.
The movie stands out for its gritty storytelling and strong performances, blending social realism with cinematic action to explore trauma and the fight for communal dignity.
5. Safari — Thrills Across the African Frontier
Release Date: November 28, 2025
Genre: Action / Adventure
Safari delivers adrenaline and visual spectacle as it follows a group of conservationists caught between wildlife poachers and corrupt local officials. Combining stunning cinematography and a fast-paced script, the film highlights Africa’s environmental and moral frontlines.
6. Unknown Soja — The Cost of Loyalty
Release Date: November 28, 2025
Genre: Military Drama
Exploring loyalty, sacrifice, and betrayal, Unknown Soja delves into the emotional aftermath of conflict through the eyes of a forgotten soldier. Its intimate storytelling and haunting score underscore the lingering cost of war in modern African societies.
🎬 Nollywood’s Renaissance Moment
November 2025 represents a creative turning point for Nollywood. With Burna Boy’s 3 Cold Dishes leading a diverse lineup of dramas, thrillers, and comedies, the industry is proving that African cinema can be both commercially ambitious and artistically profound.
According to national data, Nollywood contributes 2.3% of Nigeria’s GDP—worth over $4.2 billion annually—and continues to expand its global footprint through streaming and international collaborations.
Burna Boy’s cinematic entry has bridged music and film, showcasing how African artists are reclaiming storytelling through multiple mediums. His success may inspire a new wave of musicians, producers, and creatives to invest in visual storytelling that reflects Africa’s truth and imagination.
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