The New Patriots
| The New Patriots | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Adebayo Tijani Terry Ayebo |
| Screenplay by | Niji Akanni |
| Story by | Rotimi Adelola, inspired by Patriots and Sinners, a novel written by Nnenna Ihebom |
| Produced by | Rotimi Adelola |
| Starring | Akin Lewis Lateef Adedimeji Bimbo Oshin Dele Odule Taiwo Ibikunle |
| Cinematography | Lukman Abdulrahman |
| Distributed by | Bluepictures Film Distribution |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 103 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Languages | English Yoruba |
The New Patriots is a 2020 Nigerian political drama film directed by Adebayo Tijani and Terry Ayebo, starring Akin Lewis, Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Oshin, Dele Odule, and Taiwo Ibikunle. It was selected for screening at several international film festivals, and was nominated for a number of awards, winning two at the Five Continents International Film Festival.
Synopsis
[edit]![[icon]](/proxy/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding missing information. (April 2026) |
The film is a political thriller[1] that celebrates youth participation in the democratic process.[2][3][4]
Cast
[edit]- Akin Lewis as Dr. Nathaniel Olubo
- Lateef Adedimeji as Fred
- Bimbo Oshin as Princess Gladys Olubo
- Dele Odule as Chief Balogun
- Taiwo Ibikunle as Chief Yagaz
- Adebimpe Oyebade as Atilola Olubo
- Damipe Adekoya as Simisola Olubo
- Motilola Adekunle as Dr. Bibi Agba
- Jibola Soyele as Jibola
- Kemisola Isijola as Sewa
- Bimbo Sunday as Ahmed
- Adedeji Odundun as Alex
Production
[edit]The New Patriots was directed by Adebayo Tijani and Terry Ayebo.[5] It was produced by Rotimi Adelola, from a screenplay (in English) by Niji Akanni and translated to Yoruba by Oluwayemisi Adebowale.[6]
The story was written by Rotimi Adelola, inspired by Patriots and Sinners, a novel written by Nnenna Ihebom.[7][8][9] The script contributors include Tunde Kelani, Rotimi Adelola, Niji Akanni, Muritala Sule, film director Dami Taiwo and Jibola Soyele.[citation needed]
Release
[edit]The New Patriots was officially selected for screening in several international film festivals:
- 2020 Five Continents International Film Festival, Venezuela. It is the only feature film from Africa to be selected for that edition of the festival.[10][11]
- 2021 Montreal Independent Film Festival, Canada
- The African Film Festival (TAFF) 2021, US
- Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2021, Canada
Reception
[edit]The film received positive reviews from critics.[citation needed]
Accolades
[edit]The film received an Honourable Mention at the 2021 Berlin Flash Film Festival, Germany.[12]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Film Festivals | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Five Continents International Film Festival | Best Action Feature Film | The New Patriots | Won | [13] |
| Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film | Lateef Adedimeji | Nominated | |||
| Best Lead Actress in a Feature Film | Damipe Adekoya | Won | |||
| Best Production Feature Film | Rotimi Adelola | Nominated | |||
| Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) | Best Film - African | The New Patriots | Nominated | [14][15] | |
| Best Drama - Nollywood | Nominated | ||||
| Best Movie Trailer | Nominated | ||||
| Best Movie Producer - Africa | Rotimi Adelola | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ "Movie Alert: Youths Tackle Corrupt, Mindless Power Brokers". Daily Trust. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Dele Odule, Akin Lewis, Others Sparkle in The New Patriots, Dr Rotimi Adelola's Political Movie Thriller". The Podium Media. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ "Rotimi Adelola's 'The New Patriots' set to hit screens". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
- ^ "Lateef Adedimeji, Odule, Oshin fight corruption in The New Patriots". The Punch. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
- ^ "Production firms release The New Patriots". The Sun. Lagos, Nigeria. 9 August 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
- ^ "Ex–Ondo SSG Out With New Blockbuster". News Now Online. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ "Why everyone has to see The New Patriots movie - Rotimi Adelola". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 23 December 2020.
- ^ "Nnenna Ihebom: Directory of Nigerian Female Authors (DINFA) Author Profile". Directory of Nigerian Female Authors (DINFA). 3 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ Ihebom, Nnenna (3 August 2020). Patriots and Sinners. ISBN 9789785278095. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ "2021 Five Continents International Film Festival". Five Continents International Film Festival. 3 January 2021.
- ^ "Nigeria's 'The New Patriots' selected for International Film Festival in Venezuela". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 3 January 2021.
- ^ "Berlin Flash Film Festival (January 2021 Winners)". Berlin Flash Film Festival. 27 February 2021.
- ^ "2020 Five Continents International Film Festival". Five Continents International Film Festival. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
- ^ "Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2021". Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF). Retrieved 24 July 2021.
- ^ "The New Patriots gets 4 nominations at TINFF". The Sun. Lagos, Nigeria. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2025.