“Dear Ajayi” Makes History as First Nigerian Production in Venice Damilola Orimogunje’s “Dear Ajayi” has been selected for the 2026 Giornate degli Autori, also known as Venice Days, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The selection makes it the first Nigerian production to compete in the Venice Days section. The Nigeria-Germany co-production will have its world premiere as part of the competition.

Photo: 2o9ine Films

Set in 1990s southwestern Nigeria, “Dear Ajayi” follows two sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi, whose lives have gone in very different directions. Ade is a committed Christian and the main breadwinner in the family, while Titi is an aspiring singer who has chosen a more independent path. When their paralysed mother requires care, the sisters have no choice but to come back together.

Orimogunje wrote and directed the film. The cast includes Bimbo Akintola as Ade and Tosin Adeyemi as Titi, alongside Lanre Hassan, William Benson, Antar Laniyan, Uzoamaka Power, Michelle Dede and Chioma Omeruah, (Chigul)

Photo: 2o9ine Films

Re Olunuga composed the music, while KC Obiajulu served as cinematographer. The film was produced by 2o9ine Films, with Mayana Films, Depth and Optics Productions and Zynox Productions joining as co-production partners.

The film received support from the Hubert Bals Fund+ Europe, while Luminalia is handling its world sales

Photo: 2o9ine Films

Ahead of its Venice premiere, the first trailer gives viewers a look at the Ajayi family and the strained relationship between the two sisters.

Dear Ajayi will have its press and industry screening on September 4, with public screenings scheduled for September 10 and 12 during Venice Days.

Watch the trailer below.

YouTube is no longer limited to music videos, skits and short clips. Nollywood filmmakers have increasingly used the platform to release full-length movies, giving viewers another way to find recent Nigerian films without moving between different streaming services.

For anyone looking for something to watch, the options range from family drama and straight drama to comedy. Here are five Nollywood films currently available through the YouTube channels associated with their releases.

Alechenu – Family Drama (Biodun Stephen TV)

“Alechenu” is a family drama directed by Biodun Stephen and available on “Biodun Stephen TV” on YouTube. The film stars Royal Aziomaku in the title role, alongside Bimbo Ademoye, Mike Ezuruonye, Femi Adebayo and Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze. Following its cinema release in July, the movie is now available for viewers who want to watch it on YouTube.

The film follows 13-year-old Alechenu, an autistic boy who leaves his home in Oyo and travels to Lagos in search of the mother he has never met. Armed with only a photograph and his birth certificate, he sets out to find her, but the search takes him into a family carrying secrets of its own. What begins as a young boy’s attempt to find his mother gradually becomes a journey into questions about his identity, his family and where he truly belongs.

Beauty of Us – Drama (NollyFamily TV)

“Beauty of Us” is a Nollywood drama starring Chinenye Nnebe and Daniel Etim Effiong. The full movie is available on “NollyFamily TV” on YouTube, where it is listed as “BEAUTY OF US (Full Movie) – DANIEL ETIM, CHINENYE NNEBE 2026 Latest Nollywood New Movie”.

The story follows characters whose relationships are tested by the choices they make and the circumstances they find themselves in. As personal interests and emotions begin to affect those relationships, the characters are forced to deal with the consequences of their decisions. With Nnebe and Etim Effiong leading the cast, the film offers a relationship-focused drama built around conflict, choices and the complications that follow.

Sibe – Comedy (Bimbo Ademoye TV)

“Sibe” is a comedy starring Bimbo Ademoye, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe and Deyemi Okanlawon. The film is available on “Bimbo Ademoye TV” on YouTube and runs for about 2 hours and 25 minutes. Ademoye takes on the title role, bringing the Sibe character she previously featured in her online content into a full-length movie.

The story follows Sibe as she finds herself caught up in a series of situations that turn everyday encounters into comic trouble. As the events unfold, her personality and the people around her drive the film’s humour, with one situation leading to another. For viewers who enjoy Bimbo Ademoye’s comedic roles, Sibe offers a longer story built around the character rather than a short online skit.

The Party Crashers – Romantic Drama (Omoni Oboli TV)

“The Party Crashers” is a 2026 romantic drama directed by Isioma Osaje and produced by Susan Ogutuga, with Omoni Oboli serving as executive producer. The film stars Michael Dappa, Sophia Chisom, Ihionu Sydney Chisom, Juliet Dunu and Chidera Frankline, and is available on “Omoni Oboli TV” on YouTube. It runs for about one hour and 34 minutes.

The film follows Chidi, a man buried in debt who presents himself as a successful logistics entrepreneur, and Amaka, an influencer whose glamorous lifestyle is also built on appearances. They meet at a lavish dinner and quickly develop a relationship, but their romance becomes complicated as Chidi’s creditors close in and Amaka’s carefully constructed image starts to fall apart. When the truth about their separate deceptions begins to surface, the couple must confront whether their relationship can survive what they have been hiding from each other.

Chika’s Secret – Drama (Uche Nancy TV)

“Chika’s Secret” is a Nollywood drama starring Ebube Obio and Mike Ezuruonye, with the full movie available on “Uche Nancy TV” on YouTube. The movie was uploaded on July 5, 2026, and has a runtime of about 1 hour and 37 minutes.

The film centres on Chika and the secret that gives the story its title, with events around her gradually bringing hidden issues to the surface. As the characters deal with the consequences of what has been kept from them, the story develops through personal relationships, difficult choices and revelations.

From family drama to comedy and romance, these five films offer different options for a Nollywood movie night.

If you’re planning a relaxed weekend indoors or looking for your next cinema outing, Nollywood has no shortage of compelling stories to keep you entertained. From crime thrillers and family drama to romantic comedies and culturally rooted epics, this list features something for every kind of movie lover. Whether you enjoy emotional storytelling, suspense or films inspired by Nigerian history and traditions, these five titles deserve a place on your watchlist.

The Return of Omotara Johnson – (2026/Crime drama Action-thriller)

The Return of Omotara Johnson marks Bukky Wright‘s return to one of her most iconic screen characters, nearly two decades after the original film became a favourite among Nollywood audiences. Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, the film follows Omotara, a woman determined to leave her troubled past behind and build a peaceful life with her son. That hope is shattered when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, forcing her to confront old enemies and buried secrets. Featuring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chidi Mokeme, Timini Egbuson and Shaffy Bello, the crime drama combines suspense with emotional family conflict.

Apaara: The Outcast – (2026/Epic drama and historical thriller)

Apaara: The Outcast, directed by Damola Olatunji and Sunday Alabi Osibata, the film blends history, mythology and political intrigue into one gripping story. It follows a fearless freedom fighter whose struggle against corruption sparks betrayal, tragedy and a supernatural battle that stretches across generations. The cast includes Ibrahim Chatta, Muyiwa Ademola, Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Ademoye, Adunni Ade and Antar Laniyan, making it one of the most ambitious Yoruba productions in recent times. Although it is scheduled to open in cinemas on July 24, its release is only a few days away, making it one to keep on your watchlist as you plan your next movie outing.

On Different Grounds – (2026/Romantic Comedy and Family Drama)

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mildred Okwo, the film centres on a wealthy separated couple who are brought back together during preparations for their daughter’s wedding. What begins as an uncomfortable reunion gradually turns into a heartfelt story filled with humour, awkward moments and the possibility of second chances. Led by Nkem Owoh, Jennifer Eliogu and Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the film balances laughter with genuine emotional moments.

Market People – (2025/Drama)

If you enjoy quiet, character-driven dramas, Market People is worth adding to your weekend watchlist. Directed by Jeremiah John, the film follows a grieving woman and a struggling writer whose lives become unexpectedly connected through an unusual housing arrangement. Starring Chimezie Imo, Elma Mbadiwe, Tina Mba, Francis Duru and Kelechi Udegbe, the film delivers a heartfelt story about healing, hope and the relationships that emerge in everyday life.

Alechenu – (2026/Emotional Family Drama)

Directed by Biodun Stephen, Alechenu tells the touching story of a young autistic boy who travels from Oyo to Lagos in search of the mother he has never met. Along the way, his journey uncovers long-hidden family secrets and changes the lives of everyone he encounters. Starring Bimbo Ademoye, Mike Ezuruonye, Femi Adebayo, Wumi Toriola and young actor Royal Aziomaku, the film explores family, identity and resilience while highlighting compassion and acceptance.

If you’re still deciding what to watch this weekend, these five Nollywood films are a solid place to start. Each one brings a different kind of story, whether you’re looking for suspense, laughter, heartfelt moments or a film that reflects familiar Nigerian experiences.