In a momentous move for Nigerian cinema, the highly anticipated historical film FESTAC ‘77 has been selected by the Nigerian Film Corporation for an exclusive preview at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France. The film will give international audiences a first glimpse into a cinematic retelling of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ‘77), a defining cultural event in Nigerian history.
Produced by Adonis Production and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, FESTAC ‘77 delves into the cultural significance and political undertones of the 1977 festival, which brought together Black and African creatives from around the world in Lagos. The film aims to spotlight Nigeria’s role in unifying African voices through art, music, and heritage, with rich historical storytelling and world-class production values.
Executive Producer Adonijah Owiriwa emphasized the film’s importance in reclaiming and preserving Nigerian history. He described the project as a cinematic tribute to a pivotal moment in the nation’s cultural development. “This film is a reclamation of Nigeria’s rich history. It revisits a defining moment in our unity and cultural assertion, bringing to life the ambitions, conflicts, and triumphs that shaped our identity. Through cinema, we are preserving our past and inviting the world to engage with our stories on our terms,” Owiriwa said. He added that the Cannes preview signals a shift in how Nigerian stories are received globally and proves that they are as grand and complex as any other narratives showcased on the international stage.
Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group, echoed this sentiment, stating that the selection of FESTAC ‘77 for Cannes represents a major endorsement for the future of Nigerian cinema. “The film is a significant contribution to Nigerian storytelling and global narrative reshaping. It’s not just about showing our culture—it’s about redefining it. For too long, Nigerian stories have been underrepresented or misrepresented in global media. This film signals a turning point and gives the world a deeper appreciation of our creative storytelling and cultural depth.”
Prince Tonye Princewill, another Executive Producer, applauded the progress Nigerian filmmakers have made in raising production standards. He noted that FESTAC ‘77 showcases the scale, ambition, and technical finesse Nollywood now brings to the global stage. “The movie is a reflection of how far we’ve come. We’re no longer confined to local screens—we’re reaching global markets. The high production quality seen in FESTAC ‘77 is proof of the evolution and potential of Nigerian cinema. This is a landmark moment that showcases Nigeria as a powerhouse of creativity,” Princewill said.
Set for a 2025 release, FESTAC ‘77 is expected to become a cultural milestone in Nigerian cinema, connecting the past with the present and positioning Nigeria’s film industry for further global recognition. As it debuts on one of the world’s most prestigious film platforms, the film reaffirms Nollywood’s place as a serious contender in international cinema, where it is not just participating—but leading.
