Unveiling 5 Spellbinding Nollywood Films Inspired by Nigerian Folklore

Nollywood has hacked the art of making films inspired by Nigerian folklore, and in this article, we list 5 of them that had us hooked. 

1. The Origin: Madam Koi Koi

Inspired by the myth Madam Koi Koi, it tells the story of a ghost wearing heels, while haunting hallways, dorms and toilets in boarding houses. It’s a story that has been passed down through generations of boarding school students. It was adapted into a horror film and produced by Jay Franklyn and Dale Falola.

2. Mami Wata

Mami Wata is one of the best Nollywood film adaptations of folklore as it centers around the centuries old beliefs of mami wata, and the existence of powerful beings existing under water. It was directed by C.J ‘Fiery’ Obasi and was selected by Sundance Film Festival in 2023. 

3. The Legend of Inikpi

The Legend of Inikpi told the story of survival and triumph by the Bini people, led by Princess Inikpi, it was a beautifully done film and while some have said it was not completely accurate to the true lore, it was very closely related. The film was directed by Frank Rajah Arase. 

4. Orisa

The 2023 film Orisa, is one of the best done films adapted from Folklore in Nollywood, it features one the most prominent characters in the Yoruba mythology, and details the need for the people to still respect the gods at all times. It was directed by Odunlade Adekola and Shaffy Bello was lauded for her portrayal of the queen in the film.

5. Koto Aye

This is one of the best done Nigerian folklore adaptations, that even till this day gets praised, 24 years after it came out. The story revolves around the existence of witches and the occultic world, it tells a tale of stories that have been discussed for decades in Nigerian homes.