Popcorn and Plantain

Epizodes

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  Shaina 29.05.2025 42min

  Shaina is the story of Shine, a teenager in Zimbabwe who doesn't believe in herself. In the face of life-altering events, she is forced to rely on her own ingenuity and determination to face her future. It's a story of forgiveness and friendship, of creating a new family from the people who love you, and of the power inside every girl, whether she knows it is there or not. Rooted in human-centered design and surrogate-based behavior change, this movie will become an important part of youth culture in Zimbabwe and across sub-Saharan Africa, instilling in young women a growth mindset essential for health, agency, and self-efficacy, this story will also challenge harmful gender norms by driving a culture of positive masculinity.
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  The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind ft Sharaf 22.05.2025 59min

  The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a 2019 drama film written, directed by and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor in his feature directorial debut. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. It was screened in the Premieres section at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and began streaming in most territories on Netflix on 1 March 2019. It was selected as the British entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. It received widely positive reviews with praise going to Ejiofor's direction and the acting.
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  Hijack '93: A Pilot's Perspective ft Captain Deen 24.04.2025 1h 19min

  Hijack '93 is a 2024 Nigerian thriller directed by Robert O. Peters. It dramatises the real-life hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight in 1993. The film follows four young men—Omar (Skipper), Kayode (Eruku), Ben (Owiwi), and Dayo (Iku)—who, under the guidance of a revolutionary leader named Mallam Jerry, hijack a domestic flight from Lagos to Abuja. They aim to protest Nigeria's military regime and demand the resignation of Defence Minister Sani Abacha.
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  Kedibone 17.04.2025 37min

  Kedibone is a 2020 South African drama directed by Thomas Gumede, available on Netflix. The film follows Kedibone Manamela, a young woman from Soweto with aspirations of becoming an actress. With financial support from her devoted boyfriend, Mrembula, she enrolls in a Johannesburg university. However, Kedibone becomes entangled in the city's glamorous lifestyle, leading her to make choices that strain her relationships and challenge her values. As she navigates the complexities of ambition, love, and identity, Kedibone faces the consequences of her actions and seeks redemption.The film stars Natasha Thahane as Kedibone and Wright Ngubeni as Mrembula. It has been recognized for its compelling narrative and performances, winning the Best African Film award at the 2022 Septimius Awards.
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  Grind ft Fumnanya Ochei 03.04.2025 1h 56min

  In this episode, Abdallah and Mercy have a guest! First guest this year. We have the wonderful Fumnanya Ochei, producer on Uriri which you can watch on African Magic or Showmax.We talk about Grind, and Fumnanya's journey into Nollywood.Enjoy!
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  Suky 21.03.2025 1h 2min

  In this grim and unforgiving environment, Suky discovers a glimmer of hope, a brutal underground fight club that promises freedom to the strongest. With nothing to lose and revenge fueling his every move, Suky must fight not only for his life but for a chance to reclaim his freedom.
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  1929: Women War 14.03.2025 43min

  The Women's War was a 1929 revolt in British Nigeria, where a group of women took a stand against social and economic injustice. This historical drama follows the story of these women and their crusade.
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  Trees of Peace 21.02.2025 1h 3min

  Trees of Peace is a heartfelt film from 2022, beautifully written and directed by Alanna Brown, marking her directorial debut. The story shines a light on the incredible strength of four women—Eliane Umuhire, Charmaine Bingwa, Bola Koleosho, and Ella Cannon. They portray two Tutsi women, a Hutu moderate, and an American volunteer, who find themselves hiding together in a small space beneath a house for 81 days during the harrowing events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. With a runtime of 98 minutes, this engaging English-language film offers a poignant exploration of resilience and hope.
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  Soft Love 14.02.2025 1h 4min

  In this Valentine's Special episode, we talk about Soft Love, the movie.After being jilted on her wedding day, South African online relationship specialist, Zandi Jele, loses faith in love. However, when Nigerian photographer, Edward, crashes into Zandi's life, he fans her dying flames for love back to life.
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  Christmas In Lagos 07.02.2025 36min

  Welcome back to the pod! We know we have been gone a while, but we're back now. In this episode, we discuss Christmas in Lagos and what to expect in season 2. Enjoy!
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  Dazzling Mirage 19.06.2024 1h 17min

  In this special episode, we celebrate World Sickle Cell Day by delving into the impactful Nollywood movie "Dazzling Mirage." Directed by the acclaimed Tunde Kelani, this 2014 drama stars Kemi "Lala" Akindoju, Kunle Afolayan, Bimbo Manuel, and a stellar cast, bringing to life the poignant story of a young woman navigating the complexities of living with sickle cell anaemia. Based on the novel by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare and adapted for the screen by Ade Solanke, "Dazzling Mirage" sheds light on the social and emotional challenges faced by sickle cell warriors. Join us as we explore the film's powerful narrative and its relevance to the sickle cell community. Our co-host, Mercy, a proud sickle cell warrior, will share her personal insights and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the realities depicted in the movie. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that honours the resilience and strength of those living with sickle cell disease.
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  Crossroads 05.06.2024 1h 7min

  Crossroads depicts university life in 1990s Nigeria, focusing on Eriola, Oyekan, and Fela. Eriola faces family pressure, Oyekan’s gang adds tension, and Eriola confronts false accusations with friends’ support. Threats from Don Smart loom as Fela attempts to shield Eriola, leading to emotional confrontations.
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  Afamefuna 29.05.2024 49min

  After his friend is found dead, a prominent man is questioned by the police about their complex history together in the Igbo apprenticeship system.
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  Water and Garri 15.05.2024 1h

  In this episode of "Popcorn and Plantain," hosts Abdul and Mercy review the poignant film "Water and Garri," which follows Aisha, a fashion designer, returning to her homeland after ten years. Amidst escalating violence and high tensions, Aisha reconnects with loved ones and confronts the scars and guilt of her past. Abdul and Mercy delve into the film’s rich narrative, exploring guilt, healing, and redemption themes while appreciating its emotional depth and visual storytelling. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will resonate with fans of thought-provoking cinema.
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  Japa 12.05.2024 42min

  Mezu discovers he is stuck in a time loop in Nigeria. To his surprise, his colleague Kamsi finds himself in the same situation. Together with friends Tobe, Wasiu and Sola, they unite to escape from the time loop.
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  Adu 07.04.2024 48min

  Adú is a 2020 Spanish drama film directed by Salvador Calvo, written by Alejandro Hernández and starring Moustapha Oumarou, Luis Tosar and Álvaro Cervantes. The film premiered in Spain on 31 January 2020. The film intertwines three storylines related to African immigration to Europe. A six-year-old boy and his older sister desperately attempt to flee Cameroon for Europe, waiting on a runway to smuggle themselves inside an aeroplane's cargo hold. Not far away, an activist against illegal hunting discovers the terrible scene of a dead elephant, its tusks removed. In addition to fighting against illegal poaching, he has to face issues with his daughter, who recently arrived in the country. Thousands of miles to the north, in Melilla, a Spanish city in North Africa, a group of civil guards face a mass assault on the Melilla border fence by Africans desperate to gain access to Spain.
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  La Nuit des Rois (Night of The Kings) 08.03.2024 32min

  Hi guys, and welcome back to the podcast. In this episode, we have our first episode outside Nigeria, a movie from Ivory Coast titled Night of the Kings. We hope you enjoy it.
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  Kambili/Magun 01.03.2024 1h 39min

  In this episode, Dallah and Mercy talk about two movies from different eras of Nollywood; Kambili and Magun.
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  Omo Ghetto: The Saga 26.01.2024 53min

  Join your faves in this episode, where we talk about the movie Omo Ghetto: The Saga. Omo Ghetto: The Saga, also known as Omo Ghetto 2, is a 2020 Nigerian gangster comedy film co-directed by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz. The film stars Funke Akindele, Chioma Akpota, Nancy Isime, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Thomas, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Mercy Aigbe in the lead roles. This was the second film in the Omo Ghetto franchise, and it was also the sequel to the 2010 trilogy film Omo Ghetto.
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  Breath of Life 19.01.2024 42min

  Happy New Year, guys! In this episode, Dallah and Mercy discuss Breath of Life. Narrated by Elijah, the story follows Timi, a young man who excelled academically, spoke 16 languages and became the first African clergyman in the Church of England. After marrying Bridget and having a daughter, he returns to Nigeria, leading a fulfilling life until tragedy strikes. His family falls victim to Baby Fire, a local thug, leading to a series of tragic events that turn Timi into a recluse. The film later introduces Elijah, who changes Timi's life and helps him rediscover his faith and purpose.