The trailer for Osamede was released on Friday, offering audiences a first look at what is being described as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious fantasy films to date.
The historical epic is set to open nationwide on October 17.
Directed by James Omokwe, the film follows a young orphan who discovers powers tied to her ancestry during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
Executive producer Lilian Olubi noted that the production consulted Benin cultural historians and filmed on location in Edo State, with much of the dialogue in the Edo language. “This is not borrowed mythology. This is ours,” she said.
Ivie Okujaye Egboh, who plays the title role, said the preparation for the character reshaped her perspective. “Strength isn’t about becoming someone else but about embracing who you’ve always been,” she said.
The cast also includes William Benson, Lexan Peters, Tosin Adeyemi, Etinosa Idemudia, Paul Obazele, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Alexander Bud.
The script was written by Lolo Eremie, with distribution by Nile Entertainment Group.
Following its Nigerian release, Osamede will expand to Francophone Africa on October 24, to the United Kingdom and Europe on October 31, and to North America and the Caribbean on November 7.