Nigerian historical drama “FESTAC ‘77” is already drawing international attention ahead of its 2025 release, following its selection for a special preview at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Directed by Izu Ojukwu and produced by Adonis Production, the film explores the cultural and political significance of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture — a pivotal moment in African history.
The Cannes spotlight marks a key moment for the film, which has been years in the making. Backed by the Nigerian Film Corporation and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, “FESTAC ‘77” is positioning itself as one of Nollywood’s most anticipated titles, not just for its subject matter but for what it represents: a renewed interest in retelling African history through large-scale narrative filmmaking.
Speaking on the project, executive producer Adonijah Owiriwa described the film as “a reclamation of Africa’s rich history.” According to him, the aim was to revisit a defining moment in pan-African unity and bring it to life on screen with the kind of depth, scale, and creative control that African filmmakers have long sought.
For Filmhouse Group CEO Kene Okwuosa, the project offers more than nostalgia. “The selection for Cannes is a great endorsement for the future of Africa in the global box office,” he said, noting the significance of African stories being presented on global stages, “not as side notes, but as centerpieces.”
Executive producer Prince Tonye Princewill added that the film reflects how far the industry has come. “We’ve evolved from a growing industry to a force that competes globally in terms of scale, ambition, and technical expertise,” he said.
While the Cannes appearance is not a world premiere, it’s a strategic push for international visibility. The film’s presence at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals signals growing confidence in the global appeal of Nigerian stories told at scale.
“FESTAC ‘77” is expected to hit cinemas in 2025.