“When Nigeria Happens” Sets to Open Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors

Ema Edosio Deelen’s “When Nigeria Happens” will have its world premiere this August as the opening film for the Open Doors section of the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. 

The film marks a historic moment as the first Nigerian and first African contemporary dance film to open this section in the festival’s history.

Selected as part of Locarno’s Open Doors programwhich highlights films from underrepresented regions, “When Nigeria Happens” joins a curated slate that includes “Bougainvillea” by Yasir Faiz, “Where My Memory Began” by Priscilla Hoveyda, and “The Bride” by Myriam Birara, among others.

Blending dance, storytelling, and social commentary, the film reflects the emotional and professional realities of Nigerian creatives navigating a challenging socio-political landscape. It was co-written by Edosio and Bayo Oduwole, with Jeff Jacobson as executive producer. The cast includes Alex Usifo, Seun Ajayi, and Jide Kene Achufusi, with breakout performer Abella “DomDom” Dominic in the lead role.

In an Instagram post shared on July 8, Edosio described the selection as a proud moment for Nigerian cinema. “Having ‘When Nigeria Happens’ open the Open Doors section at Locarno is a reminder that our work has a place on the global stage,” she wrote.

A co-production between Citygates Film Production, Nganda Cinema, and 8th Day Productions, the film was developed in collaboration with Qudus Onikeku of Q-Dance Centre, integrating movement and music as central storytelling tools.

The Open Doors program runs from 2025 to 2028 and will focus on 42 African countries, supporting filmmakers through training and networking initiatives. The non-competitive Open Doors Screenings section will present a selection of films from these regions, with selected filmmakers also participating in the Open Doors Directors initiative.

While “When Nigeria Happens” has had private screenings in Nigeria, the Locarno premiere marks its official global debut. The 78th Locarno Film Festival runs from August 6 to 16, 2025.

The film’s official release date is yet to be announced.