Nollywood Photoshoots Are the New Box Office Teaser

Gone are the days when a film poster and trailer were enough to stir excitement. In today’s Nollywood, promotion has become as creative as the films themselves.

Directors and producers are now turning to photoshoots;  elaborate, themed, and sometimes playful  as a way to build hype and connect with audiences long before the premiere.

It’s a trend Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Efe Irele, Bolaji Ogunmola, Wunmi Toriola, and Nora Awolowo have all embraced. Their shoots don’t just sell a movie; they set a tone, hint at storylines, and give fans something to talk about on Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Here’s how some recent and upcoming releases have used photoshoots to their advantage:

Everybody Loves Jenifa — December 2024

For her much-anticipated return to the Jenifa universe, Funke Akindele didn’t just bank on nostalgia. The campaign rolled out bold red-themed visuals, matching merch, and even Christmas couple-style shoots with Falz. It was less about standard promo and more about reminding audiences that Jenifa is both familiar and still fresh. Akindele has made this her thing — from Aiyetoro Town to her latest projects, she treats the photoshoot as part of the story.

My Mother Is a Witch — May 2025

Efe Irele’s debut production leaned into cultural identity. Cast members appeared in striking red gowns and royal Edo beads, a symbol of heritage and tradition. The campaign gained even more attention when the looks resurfaced during the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards cultural night, giving the film visibility outside of its own timeline.

Red Circle — June 2025

This thriller made a statement with two very different shoots. The first played up mystery with moody black-and-red tones and handwritten notes clutched by the actors. The second went traditional, embracing Aso Ebi in green and red. Both concepts kept people guessing — was it a crime drama, a suspense film, or both? Either way, it got people talking.

Iyalode — June 2025

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi’s historical drama leaned heavily on Yoruba culture for its campaign. The cast wore pre-colonial attire styled to highlight the role of the Iyalode, a symbol of power and leadership. It struck a balance between heritage and style, and in true Toyin Abraham fashion, the shoot became just as much a talking point as the film itself.

Gingerrrr — Coming September 26

This film went all out with energy-packed visuals. The first round was a pure party: an Aso Ebi shoot with Bolaji Ogunmola, Wunmi Toriola, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori lip-syncing to Fuji music. Then came a shift — a detective-thriller vibe inspired by Peaky Blinders, complete with sharp suits and serious stares. Adeaga-Ilori styled both concepts herself, proving the promo was as much performance as it was marketing.

Photoshoots in Nollywood are no longer extras; they’re front and center in how films are introduced to the public. They spark conversations, fuel hashtags, and sometimes even overshadow the trailer itself. One thing’s certain: the photoshoot is here to stay as a core part of Nollywood’s storytelling toolkit.