3 Cold Dishes: Africa’s Thriller That Hits Home

When three women’s pasts collide in a story of survival and justice, the result is a film you won’t forget. 3 Cold Dishes, premiering on November 7, 2025, brings together a Pan-African cast, multiple countries, and a story that’s as intense as it is personal.

A Story of Survival and Retribution

Esosa (Osas Ighodaro), Fatouma (Fat Toure), and Giselle (Maud Guerard) were trafficked as teenagers from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin. Two decades later, they reunite to confront the men who destroyed their youth. The film follows their calculated journey for justice, moving between suspenseful confrontations, emotional reckonings, and unexpected alliances. It is a thriller, but one rooted in real struggles that many African women face.

Across Africa, Through the Lens

The film’s striking imagery comes from its authentic locations: Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, and Mauritania. Each country is more than a backdrop; it shapes the story. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Senegal, the locations add texture, grounding the film in real African spaces that viewers will recognize and connect with.

Cast and Crew That Shine

Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and co-directed by Apolline Traoré, 3 Cold Dishes is driven by performances that linger long after the screen goes dark. Osas Ighodaro gives a layered portrayal of Esosa, while Fat Toure and Maud Guerard bring depth and subtlety to Fatouma and Giselle. Wale Ojo, Femi Jacobs, and Bambadjan Bamba add gravitas to the story, portraying the men whose past actions come back to haunt them.

Executive producers Burna Boy, Osas Ighodaro, and Bose Ogulu bring vision and energy, while Tomi Adesina’s screenplay balances suspense with the human side of trauma.

Music That Speaks

Music is a silent character in the film, with contributions from Angelique Kidjo, Asa, Tems, Johnny Drille, Ayra, and Burna Boy. Each track heightens key moments: a tense confrontation, a quiet reunion, or the flashbacks that haunt the protagonists. The result is a soundtrack that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.

Buzz Before the Premiere

Even before its debut, 3 Cold Dishes has caught attention. Osas Ighodaro received a nomination for Best African Actress, and the screenplay earned a nod at the Septimius Awards. The combination of suspense, real issues, and stellar performances has critics and audiences alike marking their calendars.

Why It Matters

3 Cold Dishes shines a light on the lingering impact of human trafficking while telling a story of courage, friendship, and reclamation. It is an African story told on an African canvas, with locations, actors, and music that make the experience distinctly homegrown.

For Nigerian audiences, the film offers more than entertainment. It sparks conversation, invites reflection, and reminds viewers of resilience. Keep an eye on cinemas nationwide, as 3 Cold Dishes is one you’ll be talking about long after leaving the theater.