The year 2017 has seen quite a number of outstanding, good, average and mediocre film productions so far.
As we head into the second half of the year 2017, it's time to take a look at what the year has offered so far in forms of feature and short films.
While we would love to include Tope Alake's "Picture Perfect," we’re only ranking movies that were released before July 1, 2017.
There are still a number of outstanding productions expected to grace our screens in months to come, but, for now, let's focus on the best so far, in no particular order.
1. "Isoken"
In her debut feature movie, Jade Osiberu tells the story of the universal and overwhelming pressure women and even men, face to get married, with Dakore Akande leading a star-studded cast.
Despite being a familiar and exhausted topic in Nigeria, "Isoken" still fleshes out the issue of marital pressure in all of its raw, hilarious, messy, and complicated glory
The laughs are accompanied by insights into friendship, love, societal pressure, self-confidence, courage and stereotypes.
"Isoken" explores a lot of topical issues. Maybe not in-depth, but enough to kick off conversations on various social media platforms.
Isoken movie poster 2. "Roti"
A tribute to those coping with the loss and effects of losing a loved one, "Roti" is a psychological drama that explores pain and loss felt by parents who lose a child they waited 10 years to have.
Kate Henshaw and Afolayan give great performances of grief-stricken parents on a journey of recovery, with Henshaw absorbing herself in the character, so much that her pain is almost real.
It's treatment of a sensitive topic such as mental illness is applaudable. It takes away spiritualism and tackles mental instability in the best way possible.
3. "Ojukokoro"
Dare Olaitan's "Ojukokoro" captures the brutality that comes with violence, and still finds a way to play it simultaneously with funny scenarios and witty conversations.
The movie features an ensemble cast that inadvertently merge together to give viewers a clear understanding of their different characters.
Mixed with violence and humour, the comedy/crime-heist about a money-strapped manager of a shady Petrol Station who decides to rob his employers, but along the line, finds out in a sudden twist that he is not alone in his ambition, is an entertaining watch.
Ojukokoro Movie Poster4. "Slow Country"
A hybrid of the romance and action genre, the Eric Aghimien movie follows the story of a homeless teenage mother, Kome, who finds herself trapped in prostitution and drug trafficking for seven years in order to secure a good life for her son.
On the basis of stunts and special effects, "Slow Country" is a visual delight. It is rich with apt acting and stunning cinematography.
Not every movie has a moral lesson and "Slow Country" is one of those without one. It's simply a well-made action thriller that highlights the plight of some single mothers and prostitutes.
Slow Country poster
Short Films
5. "Hell or High Water"
The Asurf Oluseyi's short movie doesn't justify, support or condemn homosexuality. It simply starts a necessary conversation about homphobia, sexuality and religion in Nigeria.
"Hell or High Water" tells the story of a young married pastor, who is loved and adored by the members of his church.
Things take a different turn for him when he has to confront his sexuality - an act that breaks him spiritually, emotionally and psychologically.
Perfectly interpreted by Enyinna Nwigwe and Daniel K Daniel, the film avoids popular clichés that are usually seen in Nollywood movies with homosexuality themes.
Hell or High Water 6. "Bariga Sugar"
A short film set in the mid-90s in a ghetto brothel in Lagos, Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo's "Bariga Sugar" is an emotional one that conveys the deep sense of humanity.
The film tells the story of an 8-year-old Ese, who lives in Bariga Sugar, a ghetto brothel owned by Madam Sugar in Lagos.
One day, 10-year-old Jamil and his mother Hanatu move into the brothel. Often neglected, lonely and socially awkward, Ese and Jamil begin an unlikely friendship.
"Bariga's Sugar" conveys a deep sense of humanity. Its beauty is not in its 'high quality' production, but in its original story and setting.
Bariga Sugar poster7. "Through Her Eyes"
A well interpreted short film, "Through Her Eyes" plays out like a prospectus for a feature. The director Nadine Ibrahim uses the movie as a springboard to address a very topical issue; the rise of child terrorists.
In "Through the Eyes," Azeeza, a young girl abducted by a terrorist group is forced to witness and do things that tarnish her life forever.
Out of the daily heartbreaking life events, Nadine carves out a thought provoking screenplay, worth applauding.
What has been your favourite movie of the year?
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