Nigerian dramedy Pushing 30 has released its first trailer ahead of its October 18 premiere on Africa Magic Showcase.
Directed by Orobosa Ikponmwen, the film previously screened for audiences at Canvas and African Stories Untold.
Pushing 30 follows Osaze Imafidon, a 30-year-old tech founder who appears to have it all together until his birthday brunch resurfaces old rivalries, past relationships, and long-buried secrets, forcing him and his circle to confront the gap between the lives they present and the ones they’re living.
The ensemble includes Deji Osikoya, Darasimi Ogbetah, Mayowa Mula, Kanaga Emmanuel Eme, Kanyin Eros, Uzor Daniel, Sharon Rotimi, Doris Okorie and Floyd Igbo.
Mayowa Mula and Mannie Oiseomaye developed the story together, with Oiseomaye writing the screenplay. Mula serves as executive producer through Mula Productions, while Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe is the line producer.
Ikponmwen’s other directing credits include Bodmas and the forthcoming Half of Me and Adanne.
Mula told OYA Magazine that development began in 2022 and continued through economic shifts, rising production costs and gaps in financing before production began in early 2025.
The original idea followed a group of friends throwing a birthday party, but the story changed as Mula found himself approaching 30. “Society tells you that by 30 you should have it all figured out: career, marriage, money, purpose,” he said.
“The film asks: what if your friends are also struggling, but everyone is pretending to have it perfect?”
Mula added that Africa Magic became the film’s home after executives saw the finished film and connected with its tone. “This is a contemporary Nigerian urban story about relationships and friendship, exactly the kind of authentic African story Africa Magic Showcase has championed,” he said.
Speaking to OYA Magazine, Ikponmwen said the film allowed her to challenge the belief that she can only make serious films. “Pushing 30 was that confirmation for me,” she said, adding that the earlier audience response did not influence the version heading to Africa Magic.
Pushing 30 premieres October 18 at 8 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase, DStv channel 151 and GOtv. Further streaming or platform release details have not been announced.
