What to Watch August 2025 – Movie Guide.

August’s slate showcases Nollywood's expanding scope, from high‑octane action and political thrillers to socially relevant drama and culturally rooted mysteries. With heavyweight directors like JJC Skillz, Soji Ogunnaike, Adeoluwa Owu, and Kayode Kasum at the helm, each film features standout actors and compelling stories. Early buzz from trailers, industry outlets, and distributor commitments points to strong audience anticipation. Whether you crave adrenaline festivals like Hakeem and Dead Tide, reflective storytelling in The Benefactor, or rich cultural mysteries in The Serpent’s Gift, August is shaping up to be one of Nollywood’s most diverse and exciting months yet.

Here are the latest Nollywood films set for release in August 2025, complete with cast, crew, plot summaries, and why they’re generating buzz:

1. Hakeem: Seeking Justice (August 1) 

‘Hakeem: Seeking Justice' follows Hakeem (Deyemi Okanlawon) as he battles grief, betrayal, and a corrupt justice system. Directed by Abdulrasheed “JJC Skillz” Bello and produced by Mustapha Mamudu & JJC Skillz under Afristar Media, the action‑drama features a powerhouse ensemble, Chioma Chukwuka, Zubby Michael, Bolanle Ninalowo, Gabriel Afolayan, Regina Daniels, Liquorose, Ali Nuhu, Skales, and White Money. FilmOne has picked up distribution, signalling confidence in its crowd‑pulling power.  Currently showing in FilmOne Cinemas across Nigeria.

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2. Dead Tide (August 1) - In Cinemas

Dead Tide (August 1) is a tense action‑thriller directed by Soji Ogunnaike, written by Chiji Ononiwu, with story input from Jide Ayinde. It stars Ikechukwu Onunaku as Itoro, a bar owner in Badagry whose life is upended when a viral video implicates the president’s son in murder. He teams up with Sade (Eniola Ajao) to survive and expose the truth. 

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3. The Benefactor (August 8) - In Cinemas

The Benefactor (August 8) is a socially conscious drama from filmmaker Adeoluwa Owu (aka Captain Degzy), who also directs. The story explores power, control, and hidden societal predators. The cast includes Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, Akin Lewis, Bimbo Manuel, Aisha Lawal, Tobi Makinde and Toluwani George. Owu collaborated with cinematographer Wale Adebayo, and Bimbo Ademoye performs both as actor and singer, adding a musical layer to the drama. With its probing themes and strong performances, it's expected to resonate widely.

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4. The Serpent’s Gift (August 29) - In Cinemas

The Serpent’s Gift (August 29) is a mystery‑drama steeped in Igbo culture, directed by Kayode Kasum and produced by Winifred Nkiru Mena‑Ajakpovi. The narrative follows Ijeoma Sylvanus (Linda Ejiofor) grappling with the sudden death of her husband and the tangled web of inheritance, betrayal, and tradition that follows. The ensemble also features Tina Mba, Stan Nze, Ric Hassani, Beverly Osu, Daniel Etim Effiong, and others. 

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