The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nollywood movies represents a crucial element of national integration and development among Nigerian youths.

In movies, the NYSC is a symbolic practical tool for promoting national unity. These themes tie these movies together, and they should make a decent watchlist.

Hakkunde

The movie “Hakkunde” is a 2017 Nigerian drama that follows the story of Akande, a university graduate in animal husbandry who struggles with unemployment for several years in Lagos.

The film depicts the harsh realities of unemployment in Nigeria with empathy and portrays the importance of community, resilience, and creativity in overcoming adversity. The storyline emphasizes themes of self-discovery, steady perseverance, and the transformation that can arise from changing one’s environment and attitude.

The Kiss of Death

“The Kiss of Death” is a 2024 Nigerian drama film directed by Terry McMahon, an Irish filmmaker renowned for his previous works like “Patrick’s Day” and “Charlie Casanova.”

“The Kiss of Death” is a powerful character-driven Nigerian drama exploring how a well-intentioned act can lead to unforeseen consequences in a culturally charged environment, further enriched by its unique Irish-Nigerian filmmaking partnership.

The film is notable for its cross-cultural collaboration, being shot on location in northern Nigeria and helmed by an Irish director. It tackles complex themes related to gender, cultural expectations, and the dangers of good intentions misread in deeply traditional settings.

“The Kiss of Death” has been recognized with awards, including Best Film at The Louth Film Festival and Best Foreign Film and Best Director at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival.

Up North

The movie “Up North” is a 2018 Nigerian drama directed by Tope Oshin that follows the story of Bassey Otuekong, the spoilt son of a wealthy Lagos family.

The film explores themes like personal growth, cultural clashes, family expectations, and social change, emphasizing the idea that “a sound body helps a sound mind.”

The film blends elements of drama, family politics, and romance while addressing important social issues like gender roles, education, and youth development in contemporary Nigeria.

The three movies “Hakkunde,” “The Kiss of Death,” and “Up North”—are connected by their focus on contemporary social issues and personal transformation within Nigerian society, especially with a lens on cultural and regional diversity.