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7 best Nollywood movies (and short films) of 2017 so far

What has been your favourite Nollywood movie so far? It's half way through the year, and here's a look at Pulse Nigeria's movies of the year so far.

7 best Nollywood movies (and short films) of 2017 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.

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This list also features stand-out Nigerian short movies.

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.

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"Isoken" explores a lot of topical issues. Maybe not in-depth, but enough to kick off conversations on various social media platforms.

2. "Roti"

A tribute to those coping with the loss and effects of losing a loved one, Kunle Afolayan's "Roti" is a psychological drama that explores the 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.

Its treatment of a sensitive topic such as mental illness is applaudable. It takes away spiritualism and tackles mental instability in the best way possible.

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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 merges 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.

4. "Slow Country"

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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.

Short Films

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The Asurf Oluseyi's short movie doesn't justify, support or condemn homosexuality. It simply starts a necessary conversation about homophobia, 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.

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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.

Its beauty is not in its 'high quality' production, but in its original story and setting.

7. "Through Her Eyes"

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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? Which movie or short film did you think we missed out on?

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