Colours of Fire
| Colours of Fire | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Niyi Akinmolayan |
| Written by | Niyi Akinmolayan |
| Starring | |
| Edited by | Dolapo Adigun |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | FilmOne Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 125 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Languages |
|
Colours of Fire is a 2025 Nigerian epic drama film written and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. It was produced by Anthill Studios in collaboration with FilmOne Studios and Imuetinyan Productions, and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment. The film stars Uzor Arukwe, Osas Ighodaro, Mercy Aigbe, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Branch and Ibrahim Chatta. It was released in Nigerian cinemas on 24 December 2025.[1]
Plot
[edit]In an ancient setting, two rival groups known as the Blue Tribe and the Red Tribe maintain a long-standing hostility based on inherited stories and mutual suspicion. The Blue Tribe is associated with fabric-making and a form of sacred blue magic called Elu. The Red Tribe is linked in rumour to blood, darker forces and disorder. When reports spread of a monstrous figure attacking people connected to the Blue Tribe, a warrior named Akinbode is sent to eliminate the threat.
During his mission he encounters Moremi, a woman from the rival group. Their meeting leads him to question the official accounts of the conflict. The story examines how myths and fear can sustain division.[2][3]
Cast
[edit]- Uzor Arukwe as Akinbode
- Osas Ighodaro as Moremi
- Mercy Aigbe
- Gabriel Afolayan
- Femi Branch
- Ibrahim Chatta
Production
[edit]The film was written and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. It was produced by Anthill Studios with FilmOne Studios and Imuetinyan Productions. Dolapo Adigun served as the editor. The production made use of visual effects, including computer-generated imagery. Costume and set design emphasised colour symbolism. The film contains dialogue in English and Yoruba and has a running time of approximately 125 minutes.[3] An exclusive preview was shown at the 2025 FilmOne Exhibitors' Showcase in October 2025 at Filmhouse IMAX, Lekki.[4]
Release
[edit]Colours of Fire was released in cinemas across Nigeria on 24 December 2025.[1] Shortly after the opening, Akinmolayan publicly criticised certain cinema operators. He stated that some venues listed the film on their websites, sold tickets, and then failed to screen it.[5]
Reception
[edit]The film earned approximately ₦51.1 million in its first week of release. By January 2026 it had surpassed ₦100 million. One later report placed the total at around ₦134 million.[3][6]
Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers frequently noted the scale of the visual effects, costume design and production design. Performances by Uzor Arukwe and Osas Ighodaro were singled out for praise in several notices.[2][7]
Awards
[edit]At the 12th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2026, Colours of Fire received four nominations and won three awards.[8][9]
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | 9 May 2026 | Best Lead Actor | Uzor Arukwe | Won | [8][9] |
| Best Supporting Actor | Gabriel Afolayan | Nominated | |||
| Best Costume Design | Valerie Okeke | Won | |||
| Best Art Direction | Ajamolaya Bunmi Yakub Oladejo |
Won |
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Osas Ighodaro, Uzor Arukwe star in Niyi Akinmolayan's "Colours of Fire" set for December release". Vanguard. 12 October 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Box office wars: Inside Nollywood's fierce competition for number one film". The Punch. 17 January 2026. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- ↑ Ebirim, Juliet (22 October 2025). "Niyi Akinmolayan's "Colors of Fire" premieres to industry applause at FilmOne Showcase". Vanguard. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- ↑ "Niyi Akinmolayan slams cinemas over 'Colors of Fire' screening issues". The Nation. 26 December 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- ↑ Jonathan, Joseph (23 January 2026). "Colours of Fire Review: Visual Spectacle vs. Story Depth". Afrocritik. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- ↑ Sulaimon, Muhibat (5 January 2026). "REVIEW: 'Colours of Fire' is a bold, creative film undermined by AI elements". The Cable. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- 1 2 "AMVCA 12 celebrates African storytelling, talent, and cinematic excellence". DStv / Africa Magic. 10 May 2026. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
- 1 2 "AMVCA 2026: The Complete List of Winners". Zikoko. 9 May 2026. Retrieved 18 July 2026.