Chimezie Imo in(2023)

Before his career defining role in this faith based drama, Imo had always shown promise. He was the runner up in the talent show The Next Movie Star Reality Show and took roles in Shuga and Kayode Kasum鈥檚 Kasala, he was on a path to greatness and his role in Breath of Life solidified that notion, Sharing scenes with veteran, Wale Ojo, he stood his ground and etched his name in the acting books.聽

Mike Afolarin in (2022)

As the demand for coming-of-age stories in Nollywood reached a fever pitch, Far From Home emerged to fill the void. Mike Afolarin stepped into the spotlight, carrying the weight of an entire genre with a performance that masterfully balanced frustration and hope. No matter how many hurdles Ishaya encountered, Mike鈥檚 portrayal ensured the audience never stopped rooting for his success.  

Uzor Arukwe in (2025)

The film that launched a thousand careers, this YouTube mega hit solidified Uzor in cultural memory as the magnificent Odogwu. A role that escaped containment thanks to Uzor鈥檚 braggadocious Igbo flair, it moved him from regular recurring character actor to a household name. 

Nancy Isime in (2020)

In Kambili, Nancy melts into her role as the messy, ambitionless titular character in career defining performance. She leads the romcom with the required frustration and charm demanded from the genre鈥檚 main character. For a film that crossed many hurdles before it was finally released, its staying power is proof of Nancy鈥檚 talent and dedication to the role.

Tobi Bakre in (2023)

The pivot from reality star to actor is often bumpy and unsuccessful. The audience has a set impression of you and breaking that mold requires intention and hard work which are all things Tobi nurtured on his path to stardom. Starting with small roles, he chipped away at the public鈥檚 perception of him till he broke out with two fully formed action performances that year, Brotherhood and Gangs Of Lagos, making him the action leading man of his generation. 

Kehinde Bankole in (2022)

Kehinde is no stranger to complex roles but none have given her as much star power as this moving story of motherhood. Her performance was a force that made everyone stop and reassess her career with new and appreciative eyes. She had always given star worthy performances but this time, the world was finally catching up with her. 

Bucci Franklin in (2025)

Sometimes an actor is on the cusp of a breakthrough and they find a performance that pushes them into the limelight. The first time we meet Bucci Franklin as Oboz, it鈥檚 an immediate starmaking entrance. It鈥檚 a role unlike any other and he finds depths in a character that could have missed the mark in any other hands.

Stan Nze in (2020)

To revisit a Nollywood classic and give a performance that announces your prowess as an actor is no easy feat. Stan brings a force to the film that keeps it from sinking and he was deservedly rewarded with an AMVCA for Best Actor in a drama 2022.

William Benson in (2025)

William Benson has been the king of stealing scenes for a while now. Films deployed him in minor roles that gave him small moments to shine. All this finally came together in To Kill A Monkey where he defined himself as one of the best actors of his generation. Sharing many scenes with Bucci Franklin, it was a concern that he was going to be swallowed by the performance. Instead, they both elevated themselves into cultural royalty. 

Genoveva Umeh in (2022)

Many star making roles happen after an actor has had a couple of mini moments. For Genoveva it all came together in the first season of Blood Sisters where she was able to balance a softened and maniacal performance that kept her in conversations consistently. She has continued to prove worthy of her accolades with every performance after that. 

So, for those moments when you need a break from romantic drama, this list spotlights Nollywood YouTube movies that explore other stories, from family drama and suspense to crime, comedy and everything in between.

(2026)

Running time: 2h 4m

Director: Tobi Makinde

Genre: Drama

After the sudden death of his father, Dayo (Maurice Sam) and his wife must fight his mother (Uche Jumbo) and her son for the late father鈥檚 inheritance. It explores themes of betrayal, legacy and the family conflicts that arise when greed takes control.

(2026)

Running time: 1h 11m

Director: Stephen Okonkwo

Genre: Drama

A woman (Ruby Ojiakor) constantly feeds her community with love, but her household is falling apart with a husband demanding she births a son and a stubborn daughter (Favour Etim) who just wants her mother to be fine. 

(2026)

Running time: 2h 3m

Director: Omoruyi Wallz Efosa

Genre: Drama

After Monica (Uche Montana) cuts off her leeching, ungrateful family, she is forced to return after the death of her father. Family debts pile up and she runs the risk of falling back into the cycle of her toxic family. 

(2026)

Running time: 1h 48m

Director: Barnabas Benjamin 

Genre: Drama

A single father (IK Ogbonna) finds out he has six months to live and does all he can to ensure his daughter鈥檚 future, but it is to no avail when the people who are supposed to take care of her end up exploiting her father鈥檚 kindness.

(2026)

Running time: 1h 38m

Director: Olubunmi Akingbola 

Genre: Inspirational drama

A young boy (Eronini Osinachi) is abandoned at boarding school but goes on to form an extraordinary bond with a kind teacher who takes him in as his own despite the fallout in his marriage and reputation. 

(2026)

Running time: 2h 13m

Director: Great Val Edochie

Genre: Drama

Identical twin, Ifeoluwa (Bimbo Ademoye), assumes her sister’s identity after a tragic event and navigates a high stakes legal career with ripple effects. It explores themes of identity, deception and family secrets. 

(2026)

Running time: 1 hr 35m 

Director: John Ekanem

Genre: Faith based drama

Three friends (Stan Nze, John Ekanem, Eso Dike) band together as business partners to build a successful company based on their shared ambition. As the business flourishes, so do the challenges grow and they must face them head on without ruining their friendship. 

(2026)

Running time: 1 hr 6m

Director: Jide Jblaze Oyegbile

Genre: Fantasy Comedy

Yinka (Bimbo Ademoye) is fond of saying 鈥淚 swear to God鈥� so often. Heaven finally decides that they鈥檝e had enough and give her one last chance to make things right or lose everything. 

(2025)

Running time: 2h 

Director: Adekunle Azeez

Genre: Comedy

The film centres around a loving couple (Afeez Eniola and Wumi Toriola) whose domestic bliss is upended by the arrival of both their mothers (Fausat Balogun and Remi Surutu) leading to a clash of mother in laws. It goes from passive aggressive comments to outright confrontations in a film that hilariously explores the family dynamics we are all familiar with.  

Running time: 2h 7m

Director: Okey Ifeanyi D.G.N

Genre: Comedy 

A man (Uzor Arukwe) is attempting to keep his dignity and his household despite his poverty. This leads him on a series of hilarious misadventures which gets even more complicated when he finds out his wife (Jessica Obasi) is pregnant. 

Whether it’s an argument about the format you’ll be seeing it in () or an alternative casting choice, the conversations are many. So, we decided to throw our hat in the ring by recasting the stars of the film with Nollywood stars. Here’s who we think will star in our version of The Odyssey.

William Benson as Odysseus

His ability to capture fear and dread makes him perfect for the battle worn king trying to get home.

Rita Dominic as Penelope

She is able to carry herself with grace while holding the weight of expectations. She is the emotional core of The Odyssey.

Mike Afolarin as Telemachus

Mike can wield the boyish ambitious energy of a young man trying to step into his father’s shoes.

Kehinde Bankole as Athena

She has proven that her range makes her the right choice for the strategic goddess both guiding and haunting Odysseus鈥� journey.

Bucci Franklin as Antinous

He has the wicked charm that can transform to violence at any time. The recipe for this important character in The Odyssey.

Charles Inojie as Eamaeus

He can hold the mix of loyalty, humour and drama needed for this character that holds important sway in Odysseus鈥� journey.

Omoni Oboli as Helen of Troy

The face that launched a thousand ships. Do we even have to say more than that?

Sola Sobowale as Circe

The sorceress who turns Odysseus鈥� men into pigs needs to have the dramatic chops that only she can bring to the role.

Genevieve Nnaji as Calypso

She has the seductive energy for this character that keeps Odysseus stranded for seven years.

Mavo as The Bard

Continuing in the tradition of stunt casting, who wouldn’t want to hear 鈥測our body na meatpie鈥� in ancient Greece?

Who would you cast in your own version of The Odyssey?

So, if you loved the age gap romance of Something Sweet or the sensual energy of My Body, God鈥檚 Temple then you should be excited to hear that 91大神 Life is back with a new anthology on the 25th of July.

Dika Ofoma of Something Sweet is back with an ode to old Nollywood. This is for you if you鈥檙e on the nostalgia wave, longing for our films to look and feel like your childhood. We can鈥檛 give away too much but just know it鈥檚 about a woman navigating a new city, but she hasn’t experienced that struggle.

Also returning is Uzoamaka Power. 

The lover girl from Call Of My Life will take the director鈥檚 chair for Siraam, a story about a young woman discovering herself through sex, power and agency. If you know Uzoamaka, you know we鈥檙e in for a ride. The main character is wild, eccentric and irreverent. If that sounds like you or anyone you know, then mark your calendars and organise your watch parties.  

In the spirit of championing new voices, the anthology is adding Kaelo Iyizoba to the lineup. He鈥檚 directing a story made just for the yearners who long for intimacy. He brings a fresh perspective to the already exciting anthology. 

Joining the anthology cast are familiar faces like Tobi Bakre, Onyinye Odokoro, Genoveva Umeh and Ifeoma Obinwa.

91大神 Life will always tell the most genuine stories about and for young Nigerians. This is just another proof of that promise. 

In this list, we will be sharing some TV shows that we know will keep you up till 3 AM. It鈥檚 a mix of genres but they all promise to keep you glued to your TV following characters who will have you laughing, crying and yelling in frustration. 

Beyond The Veil 

Season: 2

Episodes: 12

Director: Nadine Ibrahim

Genre: Drama

Streamer: Prime Video 

Directed solely by Nadine Ibrahim, the series follows a group of northern women (Na鈥檌ma, Badriya aka Baddie, Zainab aka Zizi, Hanifa and Surrayah) who are navigating their friendships, careers and romantic interests. It follows these muslim women in the modern world, pulling you into their riveting and relatable worlds as one episode flows into the next. 

Watch Beyond The Veil on

Shanty Town

Season: 1

Episodes: 6

Director: Dimeji Ajibola 

Genre: Crime Thriller 

Streamer: Netflix 

The underbelly of Lagos always makes for captivating drama and Shanty Town is proof of that. It follows a group of sex workers who are trying to free themselves from the servitude of kingpin, Scar (Chidi Mokeme). It documents the cycle of violence and abuse that the slum life brings and these Nollywood characters will stay with you till late in the night.

Watch Shanty Town on

To Kill A Monkey

Season: 1

Episodes: 8

Director: Kemi Adetiba 

Genre: Crime Thriller 

Streamer: Netflix 

The culture around fraud in Nigeria is one that has been deeply intertwined in our history. In To Kill a Monkey, Kemi Adetiba tackles the new age version of this fraud with Efe (William Benson) who is brought into this life of crime and wealth by Oboz (Bucci Franklin), the leader of a cybercrime enterprise. Efe鈥檚 rise to wealth and the challenges he faces makes for Nollywood television you can’t take your eyes off. 

Watch To Kill A Monkey on

Inside Life 

Season: 1

Episodes: 6

Director: Clarence Peters

Genre: Crime Thriller, Fantasy  

Streamer: Netflix 

We all know Clarence Peters for his many music videos but his foray into Nollywood television makes for a mind bending, genre fluid documentation of the suffering of Nigerian life. It follows different Nigerians, a struggling student, a video vixen, a troubled family, and takes you into their lives of despair. The mystery that dwells underneath the suffering keeps you coming back for more. 

Watch Inside Life on

Crime and Justice Lagos 

Season: 1

Episodes: 6

Director: Mak ‘Kusare, Yinka Edward, Onyinye Egenti 

Genre: Procedural 

We always hear about the atrocities of Lagos and in this series we finally see a somewhat  competent police unit try and solve these atrocities. Kelechi (Folu Storms) and Danladi (Ibrahim Jammal), detective partners in the unit, must go around Lagos solving these crimes and grappling with the ways their work affects them personally. What keeps you is the vibrant filmmaking and the reality of the stories the show tackles. 

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Blood Sisters

Season: 2

Episodes: 8

Director: Biyi Bandele, Kenneth Gyang, Kayode Kasum, Daniel Oriahi 

Genre: Crime Thriller 

Streamer: Netflix 

The bond of a friendship between women can survive anything, including murder. In this kinetic Nollywood series, we follow Sarah (Nancy Isime) and Kemi (Ini Dima-Okojie) after they murder the former鈥檚 abusive fiance. The show is constantly moving from the first episode and explores familial dysfunction, abuse and the ways wealth holds power in Nigeria. The thrill of the chase will have you hitting 鈥渘ext episode鈥� till the sun rises.  

Watch Blood Sisters on

Far From Home

Season: 1

Episodes: 5

Director: Catherine Stewart, Kayode Kasum

Genre: Crime, Young adult 

Streamer: Netflix

Ishaya Bello (Mike Afolarin) was born into dire circumstances but he constantly dreams of more. This premise of the show allows us to follow him as he navigates a new life in an elite academy thanks to a scholarship. It contrasts his life of poverty with the life of the wealthy students he meets and learns that no matter where he lands, trouble always follows. 

Watch Far From Home on

Flawsome

Season: 2

Episodes: 26

Director: Tola Odunsi

Genre: Drama 

A Nollywood TV show about female friendship is made to be binged and that鈥檚 exactly what Flawsome is. Following four women (Rahmat, Dolapo, Ifenyinwa, Ivie), it takes you on a journey where they face corporate challenges, relationship complications and life battles while still trying to keep their core friendship going. 

Skinny Girl In Transit 

Season: 7

Episodes: 77

Director: Bunmi Ajakaiye, Muhammad Atta Ahmed, Ema Edosio

Genre: Drama, Comedy 

Streamer: YouTube

One of the original binge darlings, Skinny Girl In Transit follows Tiwalade over six seasons as she tries to lose weight and juggle all her relationships and life demands. We follow her growth and triumph one episode at a time which keeps you captivated by this relatable protagonist and all her troubles. 

Watch Skinny Girl In Transit on

The Men鈥檚 Club

Season: 5

Episodes: 63

Director: Tola Odunsi 

Genre: Drama, Comedy 

Streamer: Prime Video 

The show revolves around four men (Aminu, Louis, Lanre and Tayo) as they navigate their relationships. It鈥檚 a rare entry into the lives of modern Nigerian men and the challenges they face which makes each episode an enthralling look into dynamics you might have seen in real life. 

Watch The Men鈥檚 Club on

Published in 2018, Adeyemi鈥檚 Children of Blood and Bone has become a smash hit. With the novel and its two sequels, 鈥淐hildren of Virtue and Vengeance鈥� and 鈥淐hildren of Anguish and Anarchy鈥� (collectively known as the 鈥淟egacy of Or茂sha鈥� trilogy) spending weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List.聽

Since the adaptation was announced, it鈥檚 been a series of dramatic events. So, here is a timeline of all the events from the moment we found out about the adaptation till now.

March 2018: Fox acquires rights to Children of Blood and Bone

Fox 2000 (producers of The Percy Jackson films and The Devil Wears Prada) acquired the film rights to the book in a massive seven figure deal.聽

December 2020: Transfer of rights

The film rights of the book were transferred to LucasFilm, but it never really took off and ended up getting stalled.

January 2022: Paramount acquires trilogy rights

Paramount Pictures acquired the rights to the 鈥淟egacy of Or茂sha鈥� trilogy in a highly competitive bidding war.聽

December 2023: Director of Children of Blood and Bone named.

Gina Prince-Bythewood, director of The Woman King, was announced to direct 鈥淐hildren of Blood and Bone鈥� and co-write the screenplay with Adeyemi, with casting as the next crucial step.听听

January 2025: Lead cast announced

Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris and Tosin Cole were announced as the lead actors for the film. This was the beginning of the film鈥檚 troubles. There was a ton of backlash at the casting, especially the role of Princess Amari who is dark skinned in the book being given to Amandla. There were also complaints about the lack of local Nigerian talent in the casting. But Tomi was quick to defend Amandla鈥檚 casting and remind us that an open casting call would be held for Nigerian talent.聽

February 2025: Shooting begins

Shooting for the film started, with the cast sharing photos from their location in South Africa.聽

March 2025: Casting call results announced to criticism

The results for the casting call were finally announced with Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba being announced as the newcomers. Additionally, Richard Mofe Damijo and Ayra Starr were also announced as part of the cast. This was met with online ridicule as Tomi had made such a big deal of the open casting call, only for us to get two relatively new names and two already established stars.聽

June 2025: Shooting completes

The director announced that shooting had been completed at last.聽

July 2026: Tomi Adeyemi distances herself from adaptation

The author made an announcement on social media distancing herself from the adaptation despite having producer and writer credits. She shared screenshots from an alleged聽 conversation dated late February with Amandla. In the conversation, she warned her to never bring up her name again in any interviews.聽

This adaptation has been plagued with one controversy after another and, also, this isn鈥檛 Tomi鈥檚 first online controversy. In 2018 she accused acclaimed romance author Nora Roberts of plagiarizing聽 her book title. This led Nora Roberts to write a blistering blogpost after which Tomi retracted her accusations and apologized.

With all the issues clouding this adaptation, will you be watching the film come January next year? 

Our countrymen might be absent but the love for football transcends patriotism. From Portugal to England, Argentina to Senegal, we asked Nigerians what countries they are adopting for the World Cup.

France 鈥� Excel, 23, Male

I鈥檓 supporting France because of Mbappe. They jokingly call him a dictator but I just think he鈥檚 misunderstood and I am rooting for him to win two world cups before thirty which would be an insane achievement. I am also supporting Portugal because Bruno Fernandez plays for them and also plays for Manchester United, the club I support. His winning will improve his chances of winning the Balon d鈥橭r.

Portugal 鈥� Divine, 26, Male 

I鈥檓 supporting Portugal because I think Ronaldo is the greatest football player in the world and he needs to win a World Cup to prove the naysayers wrong.

France 鈥� Alpha, 24, Male 

I鈥檓 supporting France because the whole team is basically made up of Africans. If Nigeria can鈥檛 make it in at least let me support a country with African representation.

No Allegiance 鈥� Tobi, 24, Male

I鈥檓 supporting any country with the hottest players, my allegiance lies with beauty.

Norway 鈥� Didi, 29, Female  

I鈥檓 supporting Norway because I think Erling Haaland is the hottest man ever. African countries are playing nonsense. No rage, no desire, no passion.

Portugal 鈥� Inem, 25, Male 

I鈥檓 supporting Portugal because of Bruno Fernandez and Brazil because they have the most beautiful women.

Norway 鈥� Nic, 26, Male 

I鈥檓 supporting Norway because I also support Manchester City and Haaland plays for both. I鈥檓 dedicated to both club and country.

Argentina and Spain 鈥� Ebube, 26, Male

I support both countries because of Messi and Yamal. They鈥檙e the chosen ones so any of them winning is a win for me.

Portugal 鈥� Becca, 24, Female 

My real support is for Ronaldo because that鈥檚 my GOAT.

France 鈥� Kenyo, 24, Male

I support France because the supreme leader Mbappe is their captain.

Which country do you support? Let us know. 

This list covers Nigerian films that stood out in celebration of genre, dedication to craft, appreciation of culture and also just a great time at the movies. These are the 10 best Nollywood films of 2026, so far.

10. The Boy Who Gave 

Running time: 118 minutes聽

Director: Allison Precious Emmanuel聽

Genre: 顿谤补尘补听

Films that take us to parts of Nigeria rarely seen are not many, and in Allison Emmanuel鈥檚 debut feature he takes us to Bonny Island, a place fraught with economic and political violence. He writes, directs and stars in the film that follows Broda, a first son, who is left to care for his siblings after the death of his parents. It鈥檚 a film that leans into the dreary existence that poverty plunges you into and it asks if escape is ever possible. 

The Boy Who Gave is currently showing in the cinemas.

9. The Other Side Of The Bridge 

Running time: 116 minutes 

Director: Fiyin Gambo

Genre: Sports Drama

Many Nigerian films in recent times have tried to capture the class tension between the wealthy and the poor in our society. In the Other Side Of The Bridge, we see the Fiyin Gambo-directed feature put this tension in a gritty boxing drama that follows two boxers (played by Tobi Bakre and Demi Banwo) from vastly different backgrounds competing in a prestigious tournament hoping to win it for reasons that define both their lives.

The Other Side Of The Bridge is not yet available on any streaming platforms.

8. Aba Blues

Running time: 120 minutes 

Director: Jack鈥檈nneth Opukeme

Genre: Romantic Drama 

Jack鈥檈nneth Opukeme has a flair for writing interesting women defying cultural boundaries. In Aba Blues he writes and directs a story of a woman (played by Angel Anosike) stuck between two lovers: one from her past and another in her present. It鈥檚 a story that celebrates and critiques Igbo culture, centering the love story in a place and time that shows the director鈥檚 signature vintage storytelling. 

Aba Blues is streaming on

7. Onobiren: A Woman鈥檚 Story

Running time: 104 minutes 

Director: Famous Odion Iraoya

Genre: Drama 

Nollywood has a fraught history with its women and in a bid to tell their own stories, Onobiren enters with the tale of a woman recounting her life experiences as she moves from her village to the city. It is a film that centres human efforts as acts of faith and miracles. Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya and written by Laju Iren, Onobiren opens the breadth of womanhood for the industry to learn from. 

Onobiren: A Woman’s Story is not yet available on any streaming platforms.

6. To Adaego With Love

Running time: 129 minutes

Director: Nwamaka Chikezie

Genre: Historical Romance 

In this Nwamaka Chikezie directed feature, we see a love story placed at the core of the post civil war reconciliation efforts in the East. Starring Adam Garba and Chisom Agoawuike, who have palpable chemistry, it navigates the complicated emotions of a people who have still not been given proper reparations for a war that ravaged their place and culture. It places this conflict within and outside a love story that will leave you in your feels when the credits roll. 

To Adaego With Love can be rented on the film’s

5. Evi

Running time: 107 minutes 

Director: Uyoyou Adia

Genre: Musical Drama

With the increase in Afrobeats recognition worldwide, a film about a fictional Afrobeats star was bound to happen. Enter Evi. It follows a pop star who falls from grace and attempts to return to success with a new lease on life. Starring Osas Okonyon in the titular role and directed by Uyoyou Adia, we get a glimpse into the shady workings of an industry where the price for success is often a loss of self. And to crown it all, it does have some bangers.

Evi is not yet available to stream on any platforms.

4. On Different Grounds

Running time: 120 minutes 

Director: Mildred Okwo

Genre: Romantic Dramedy

A veteran returns to the camera and brings other veterans with her in this Mildred Okwo directed romantic comedy. This film follows a separated couple who have to share the same space during the week of their daughter鈥檚 marriage. It鈥檚 a film that finds the older stars of Nollywood like Nkem Owoh, Jennifer Eliogu and Bob Manuel Udowku in roles that respect their skills. At the same time, it creates a narrative rarely seen with a happy ending that reminds us that second chances are never too late.

On Different Grounds is currently showing in cinemas.

3. When Nigeria Happens 

Running time: 119 minutes

Director: Ema Edosio-Deelen

Genre: Dance drama

Sometimes a Nigerian film departs from the usual forms we鈥檙e used to and creates an experiment that dissects the way our society breaks us. This is the central thesis of When Nigeria Happens. Directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, it follows a group of misfit dancers who are trying to make it amidst the obstacles Nigeria throws at them. A film that uses dance as a primary driver of its story, we journey with this group as the pressure to fit in builds to a moving conclusion. 

When Nigeria Happens is streaming for a limited time on the

2. Mothers Of Chibok

Running time: 88 minutes 

Director: Joel Kachi Benson

Genre: Documentary

The kidnapping of the Chibok Girls remains one of the most consequential moments of Nigeria鈥檚 history and the media around it has remained fraught with propaganda and political motivations. With Mothers of Chibok, directed by Joel Kachi Benson, we witness a group of mothers who, after their daughters鈥� abduction, spend weeks, months and years waiting for their return. It is a solemn study on the way this tragedy has defined their present and future, and a documentation of their resilience. 

Mothers Of Chibok is currently not available on any streaming platforms.

1. Call Of My Life

Running time: 107 minutes 

Director: Dammy Twitch

Genre: Romantic comedy 

A call centre agent, Soluchi, is going through a tough heartbreak when she receives a call that is bound to change the trajectory of her love life. Directed by Dammy Twitch in his feature debut and written by Uzoamaka Power, Call Of My Life reminds us that a good romantic comedy is grounded in the cultural context of its people. With strong lead performances, a score that paints the romance and supporting characters you want to see more of, the film joins the pantheon of great Nigerian romcoms and will definitely be rewatched by generations to come.

Call Of My Life is currently showing in cinemas.