Though little known to the West, the burgeoning video industry in Nigeria produced over 600 features last year, marking one of the most vibrant new developments in world cinema today. Unlike the majority of African films that win prizes at the Venice, Cannes or New York film festivals (produced with European government grants and television subsidies for Western audiences), these immensely popular Nigerian English language video works are financed by and wholly intended for a domestic mass market. Per film critic Emmanuel Sama, "African films are foreigners in their own countries." With budgets in the neighborhood of $4,000 and shooting schedules that rarely exceed 10 days, these videos sell for about $3. Over 30 stalls in the Lagos central market are devoted to video sales-and those not affluent enough to own a VCR often watch the videos at makeshift home theaters. This special, cutting-edge showcase is co-presented in conjunction with the Maryland-based initiative Africa xxiv/vii.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

An intense emotional drama about the importance of children and family in the African society and the obstacles one family must overcome as it battles with cancer, society values, death and the ultimate survival of the family. Two brothers must make a sacrifice for family and hope; two brothers must allow trust, hope and love to triumph over.

Written/Produced by Emem Isong, Nigeria, 2005, color, 110 min

THUNDERBOLT

In this melodramatic reworking of the Othello story, an inter-tribal couple's marriage is threatened by jealousy and rumors of infidelity. When the wife is afflicted with a deadly and mysteriously potent curse which threatens to destroy the couple, she turns to an herbalist in search of a cure. Western medicine and traditional treatments conflict as this morally ambiguous tale drives to its shocking and dramatic resolution.

Directed/written/produced by Tunde Kelani. Nigeria, 2001, color, 105 min.

OSUOFIA IN LONDON

Nigeria's greatest comedic actor Nkem Owoh stars as Osuofia, a hunter too lazy (or inept) to kill a deer, even as all five of his daughters support him. Deep in debt and relentlessly hassled by angry creditors, Osuofia has no choice but to leave town. His life is changed forever when fate leads him to London to collect an inheritance. Before he can cash in, a clash of cultures leads to decidedly hilarious results.

Directed/written/produced by Kingsley Ogoro. Nigeria, 2003, color, 105 min.

THE LONDON BOY

A young educated Nigerian man leaves his native village for Europe in search of opportunity, but finds love instead. When his Londonborn girlfriend refuses to go back to Nigeria with him, the young African now faces two challenges: life in London and a battle with her disapproving family.

Directed/written/produced by Simi Opeoluwa. Nigeria, 2004, color, 120 min. color