Will 2018 be a better year for the Nigerian film industry?

From "Basira in London" to "Accidental Spy, 2017 turned out to be a year with a lot of plotless and cash-grabbing movies.

Nevertheless, it was collectively a good year for the industry, which reportedly edged 2016 with sales of over one billion naira.

A look at the commercial success of several mediocre movies seems like an indication that collectively, Nollywood movies won't be getting better any time soon.

But as we kick off 2018, we discard the tortuous memories of 2017 and fill ourselves with hope for the slate of seemingly good movies in view.

January is set to kick off the movie year with interesting titles such as "Getting Over Him," "The Blindspot" and "Esohe."

Among the pictures hoping to save Nollywood are sequels, sophomores, short films and big budget films.

The Sequels

A sequel to "Mummy Dearest" is set for release this year, with Daniel K Daniel and Liz Benson reprising their roles from the original movie.

Also, "Soldier's Story," the 2015 movie, which won Daniel K Daniel tons of awards, is also in the works for a 2018 release.

The Sophomore

In 2016, Adetiba delivered "The Wedding Party," an impactful film that went on to become the highest grossing Nollywood movie, yet. Fans have since been anticipating her sophomore film.

Adetiba is currently working on "King of Boys," a film which she promises will debut soon. In her hands, the movie promises to be nothing short of stellar.

ALSO READ: 5 MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES OF 2018

New Movies

"Sidi Ilunije"

First of all, this movie is directed by Tunde Kelani, who has given us classics such as "Thunder Bolt" and "Saworoide."

Also, it's based on Wole Soyinka’s "The Lion and the Jewel," and is interpreted by indigenous actors such as Adebayo Salami and Ibrahim Chatta.

"Hello Rain"

Based on the short story "Hello, Moto" by Nnedi Okorafor, this is an afrofuturistic tale of three powerful black women, who through an alchemical combination of juju and technology, create wigs which allow them to wield untold magical power.

This 'anomaly' will cater to the vast but underestimated set of Nigerian moviegoers.

"The Royal Hotel Hibiscus"

A romantic comedy from EbonyLife Films, "The Royal Hotel Hibiscus" boasts an array of talented actors, will be distributed by Filmone and is directed by the efficient Ishaya Bako - the odds are in favour of this one.

"Lions Heart"

Aside from being Genevieve Nnaji's directorial debut, another attraction is the awesome array of acting award winners and pop culture icons this film boasts: the kind we haven't seen in a while.

Written by C.J Fiery Obasi based on a screenplay by Ishaya Bako and Emil Garuba, the movie follows the story of an Igbo family that is into transport business.

"Queen Amina"

This upcoming Izu Ojukwu movie is culled from a familiar era: the 16th century and follows the story of the legendary fierce warrior popularly known as Queen Amina of Zaria.

Lucy Ameh (Bariga Sugar) leads a talented cast consisting of Ali Nuhu as Danjuma, Clarion Chukwura as Zumbura and Yakubu Mohammed as Barde.

"Gold Statue'

Tade Ogidan, who helmed cult classics such as "Diamond Ring" and "Hostages" is yet to disappoint moviegoers. So it's impossible to dismiss the legend's movie.

His latest work is a comedy adventure drama which features a blend of talented young and older actors such as Kunle Remi, Gabriel Afolayan, Greg Ojefua, Bisola Aiyeola, RMD, Sola Sobowale, Segun Arinze, Femi Durojaiye, Tina Mba and Norbert Young.

"New Money"

Directed by the creative Tope Oshin, this one stars some talented actors such as Daniel Etim Effiong, Kalu Ikeagwu, Femi Branch, Odunlade Adekola, Bikiya Graham-Douglas,Jemima Osunde, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Wale Ojo, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Kate Henshaw.

It is also written by Naz Onuzo, who wrote the 2016 critically acclaimed movie, "The Arbitration."

"Diamonds in the Sky"

Directed by Kunle Afolayan, this one features talented actors such as Joke Silva, Yvonne Jegede, Bimbo Akintola, and Omowunmi Dada.

So, will 2018 be a better year for the Nigerian film industry?

The year 2017, despite its depth of mediocrity, boasts some impressive movies and performances. But for one great movie, there were tens of mediocre ones.

It's too early to predict if the above-mentioned seemingly good productions will give the industry a better year than 2017.

Afterall, it could take just four months to churn out a potential box office record-breaking movie. And in recent years, a cash-grabbing movie, irrespective of its quality, always receives the most marketing attention, and in turn, the largest audiences.

For now, we can only hope that the bunch of movies coming out this year are good enough to entertain, set records and save Nollywood.