The highly anticipated political thriller, ’77: The Festac Conspiracy’, has made a strong debut after its star-studded world premiere in Lusaka, Zambia, attracting a sold-out audience and reinforcing the growing global appeal of African cinema.
The premiere, held at the International Conference Centre, served as a major highlight of the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026, marking the first time the prestigious continental creative market has been hosted outside Nigeria. The event brought together filmmakers, creatives, industry stakeholders, and movie enthusiasts from across Africa.
Nollywood stars Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah were among the celebrities who graced the red carpet, drawing widespread attention from fans and generating significant buzz on social media. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Izu Ojukwu, the movie is the sequel to the award-winning 2016 historical drama ’76, continuing its exploration of Nigeria’s political history through a gripping cinematic narrative.
Speaking after the screening, Rita Dominic described the overwhelming reception in Zambia as proof that African stories resonate across borders, adding that the premiere celebrated the continent’s shared history, culture, and creative future. Executive Producer Prince Tonye Princewill said the film represents a bold statement about the direction of African cinema and its growing influence on the global stage.
Following the successful premiere, the producers announced plans for a major homecoming premiere in Lagos, where the historic FESTAC ’77 took place, ahead of the film’s wider theatrical release across Nigeria and other markets. The event is expected to celebrate both the film and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most significant cultural festivals.
