- International Day of The Girl Child is set aside on October 11 to recognise the struggles and rights of being a girl
- With titles like Dry, Lion Heart and more, the Nigerian film industry advocate for girl child rights and education
- In celebration of the International Girl Child Day, check out these 5 inspiring Nollywood films
Films as art never fail to mirror our realities, and Nollywood has been at the forefront of telling authentic stories that capture our struggles and experiences.
This quest for authenticity and representation of happenings in society have led to inspiring film productions that spotlighted the girl child and raised awareness about the struggles of an average girl child in Nigeria.
As October 11 marks the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, these 5 Nollywood titles will inspire you with its advocacy for the average girl child’s rights.
5 Nollywood titles that champion girl-child rights
- Dry (2014)
Dry is a Nollywood film produced by Stephanie Linus and Jane Lawalata to spotlight the struggles of child marriage, Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and the importance of educating a girl child in Nigeria. Through the story of a 13-year-old Halima, the film touched on the larger struggles faced by young girls, especially in the northern part of Nigeria. Halima travelled through a rollercoaster of emotions but eventually overcame it with the help of a female doctor, Zara.
- Lion Heart (2018)
Lion Heart emphasises the fact that earning positions shouldn't be a gender thing. A girl child is capable of occupying the same role as a boy so long as she merits it. Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji explored this theme in collaboration with Netflix. The plot revolves around Adaeze, played by Genevieve Nnaji, who, after much doubt, steps up to effectively run her sick father’s business.
Credit: Google
- Samaria (2022)
The short film, Samaria by Chiemeka Osuagwu championed the Girl Child rights and education with its plot. It explores the relatable challenges of young girls in Nigeria and this most times affects their dreams and aspirations. For its outstanding storytelling, it received nominations at the 2022 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival for Best Short Film.
- This Lady Called Life (2020)
Directed by Kayode Kasum, This Lady Called Life starred Aiye played by Bisola Aiyeola. She faces the trauma of being raped, getting pregnant and abandoned by her family. No one believed her story, and she was left to suffer the journey alone. She eventually picked herself up to chase her dreams of becoming a chef. The romance drama enlightens viewers on how young girls are thrown into the cub after one traumatic experience.
- MTV Shuga series
MTV Shuga is a drama series that explores a range of themes of which female empowerment and Girl Child rights are part of. The series also touches on teen pregnancy, gender-based violence and safe sex. Its eight seasons were directed by Biyi Bandele, Angus Gibson, Tolulope Ajayi, Tope Oshin amongst others.
What Girl Child advocacy Nollywood film did we miss?
TheRadar Box Office: Ranking 10 highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time
What truly makes a box office hit film? Some might say it is popularity or story or money. Regardless, some films have cracked the code. Blending relatable storytelling, unexpected plot twists, and captivating visuals, some filmmakers have been to keep their films on the lips of viewers.
From A Tribe Called Judah, Sugar Rush, The Wedding Party, and Mailaka, TheRadar curated a full list of all the Nollywood films that have risen as the Top 10 highest-grossing films of all time in descending order.
