Alive Till Dawn: What We Know About Nollywood’s Bold Zombie Movie
Nollywood is set to explore new creative frontiers with Alive Till Dawn, a zombie-themed thriller that has quickly become one of the most talked-about upcoming Nigerian films.
Long before its official release, the movie has already sparked conversations online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where the official trailer, behind-the-scenes details, and early reactions have fueled anticipation. Here is what we know so far about Alive Till Dawn:
A Bold Genre Shift for Nollywood
Zombie films remain a largely untapped genre in mainstream Nigerian cinema, making Alive Till Dawn a notable experiment. While Nollywood has previously flirted with horror and supernatural themes, full-scale zombie thrillers are rare. This film is being positioned as a high-effort attempt to bring the genre closer to global standards while retaining a uniquely Nigerian narrative style.
Production and Direction
Alive Till Dawn is produced by Leo Obienyi and marks a significant milestone in the career of Uzor Arukwe, who makes his directorial debut with the project. The film is directed by Sulaiman Omotola Ogegbe, combining fresh directorial energy with a vision aimed at cinematic scale rather than straight-to-streaming production.
Distribution is being handled by The Nile Group, confirming that the movie will enjoy a wide theatrical release across Nigerian cinemas when it premieres on January 30.
Cast and Performances
The film features an ensemble cast led by Uzor Arukwe, with Sunshine Rosman, Michael Dappa, Sani Mu’azu, and other notable Nollywood actors playing key roles. Early reactions from viewers who have followed previews and teasers suggest intense, gritty performances that lean into fear, survival, and emotional tension.
Setting and Visual Style
One of the standout elements discussed online is the movie’s use of both urban street locations and bushy outskirts, creating a contrast that heightens suspense. Practical effects are reportedly used to enhance realism, signaling a move away from overly digital visuals toward a more grounded horror experience.
In a Nutshell
While comparisons have been drawn to earlier Nigerian zombie efforts, such as Ojuju (2014), many fans believe Alive Till Dawn is aiming for a much larger cinematic footprint. Its growing popularity reflects Nollywood’s evolving ambition to diversify genres and compete more confidently on a global stage.
As the release date approaches, Alive Till Dawn is shaping up to be a potential turning point for horror and thriller storytelling in Nigerian cinemas.
