The highly anticipated Nigerian historical epic FESTAC ‘77 has been selected by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) for an exclusive preview at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France. This marks a significant milestone for the film, which revisits Africa’s largest-ever cultural festival and aims to elevate African narratives on the international stage.
Produced by Adonis Production and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, FESTAC ‘77 explores the historical significance of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, reflecting on its profound impact on African identity and cultural unity. The film promises to deliver high-quality storytelling, captivating visuals, and a compelling portrayal of a pivotal moment in African history.
The Cannes showcase is seen as a major achievement, highlighting the growing global recognition of African cinema. With its star power and meticulous production values, the film seeks to challenge stereotypes and showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage to a worldwide audience.
Adonijah Owiriwa, Executive Producer of FESTAC ‘77, emphasized the film’s role in reclaiming African stories. “This film is a reclamation of Africa’s rich history. It revisits a defining moment of unity and cultural assertion, bringing to life the ambitions, conflicts, and triumphs that shaped our storytelling. Through cinema, we are not only preserving our past but also ensuring the world engages with our stories on our terms. The Cannes showcase is a pivotal step in shifting the global perception of African cinema, proving that our stories are as grand, complex, and worthy of global platforms as any other,” he stated.
Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group (which includes FilmOne Entertainment), highlighted the film’s significance in reshaping Africa’s image globally. “The Festac ‘77’ film is a vital contribution to African storytelling, and its selection for Cannes affirms Africa’s rising prominence in global cinema. For too long, African stories have been sidelined or misrepresented. This film signifies a turning point, allowing the world to witness the richness and depth of our culture, history, and creative talent. It’s a new era where African stories lead conversations on the global stage,” he said.
Prince Tonye Princewill, an executive producer of FESTAC ‘77, praised the industry’s evolution. “Festac ‘77’ reflects our progress in production quality and storytelling. We’ve grown from a budding industry to a global contender, and this film exemplifies that journey. It embodies the high standards we’ve worked tirelessly to achieve and demonstrates that African cinema is a powerhouse of creativity,” he remarked.
Set to be released in 2025, FESTAC ‘77 aims to be a landmark film in Africa’s pursuit of worldwide recognition. As it prepares for its debut at Cannes and subsequent release, the film seeks to bridge the past and present, showcasing African culture on a platform that continues to shape the future of global cinema.
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