5 Iconic Nollywood Filming Locations in Nigeria Open for Public Visits
If you are a dedicated Nollywood enthusiast, you likely understand that the authentic atmosphere and visual appeal of many films are heavily influenced by their shooting environments. However, here is an exciting revelation: you do not need to be a celebrated actor or filmmaker to step onto these iconic sets. In 2026, cinematic tourism has become a recognized trend in Nigeria, with these five prominent destinations at the forefront of this movement, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite movies.
1. KAP Film Village & Resort, Oyo State
Constructed by the acclaimed director Kunle Afolayan, the KAP Film Village and Resort is often described as a Nollywood Disneyland for cultural epics. This location served as the primary setting for major productions such as Anikulapo and Jagun Jagun, offering a genuine film village experience. Visitors can stay in traditional-style huts that replicate those seen on screen, but with modern luxuries like air conditioning and comfortable bedding, blending Yoruba heritage with contemporary comfort. Nestled in Igbojaye, Komu within Oyo State, it provides an ideal quiet escape for a relaxing weekend getaway.
2. Kajuru Castle, Kaduna
Kajuru Castle stands as Nigeria's hidden European-style castle, a favorite among Nollywood directors seeking an old-money or royal aesthetic for scenes. It has been featured in films like The Wedding Party 2 and Sugar Rush, often used for high-end luxury party sequences. This medieval-inspired castle, perched on a hill in Kaduna, includes unique features such as a dungeon, an armory, and a swimming pool with panoramic views of the savannah. It exudes a main-character energy and operates as a private villa, typically requiring group bookings for an exclusive experience.
3. The National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos
Recently rebranded as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, is considered the original grand location for Nollywood. It has appeared in everything from early 1990s classics to international projects like Beyoncé's Black is King. Following extensive renovations in 2024 and 2025, its iconic hat-shaped architecture now looks more impressive than ever. The surrounding parks are perfect for photography, and visitors can enjoy live stage plays that often serve as training grounds for emerging Nollywood talents.
4. Tinapa Business & Leisure Resort, Calabar
Despite experiencing fluctuations, Tinapa Resort remains a cinematic powerhouse in Nigeria's South-South region. It has hosted big-budget films such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Black November, utilizing its world-class soundstages. When touring Tinapa, guests encounter a surreal environment that feels like a ghost city transformed into a film set, with massive architecture and a nearby monorail adding a futuristic touch. The resort offers a chill, breezy ambiance with an old Hollywood vibe adapted to a Nigerian context.
5. Africhatta Film Village & Resort, Oyo State
Africhatta Film Village and Resort, developed by actor Ibrahim Chatta in Oyo State, represents the latest gem for fans of traditional Yoruba cinema. More than just a filming location, this expansive resort was meticulously crafted with deep respect for ancestral architecture and craftsmanship. Chatta invested significant time and resources to ensure authenticity in every mud wall and thatched roof, creating a space where gritty traditional storytelling meets modern hospitality. A key advantage of film villages like Africhatta is their gated, self-contained design, which enhances security for cast and crew, allowing productions to film late into the night without the safety concerns common on open-location sets.
