The highly anticipated historical epic - Festac ‘77, has been selected by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to make an exclusive preview at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.
It is set to offer audiences a first look at Africa’s largest ever cultural festival.
The film explores the historical significance of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (Festac ‘77), reflecting on cultural legacy and impact on the African identity.
The screening aims to elevate Africa’s history on the global stage with a focus on high production values and historical storytelling.
According to the Executive Producer, Adonijah Owiriwa said the film revisits a defining moment in the unity of Africa as well as bringing to life the many aspects that shape the continents storytelling.
He added that the showcase will also help shift the global perspectives of African films.
“This film is a reclamation of Africa’s rich history. The project was about revisiting a defining moment in African unity and cultural assertion, bringing to life a tale of the ambitions, conflicts, and triumphs that shaped our storytelling. Through cinema, we are not only preserving our past but ensuring that 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,” Owiriwa stated.
The Cannes showcase marks a laudable moment for Festac ‘77, which has gained global attention for its production and star power.
It was produced by Adonis Production and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment.
Filmhouse Group CEO, Kene Okwuosa described Festac ‘77 film as a significant contribution to African storytelling in reshaping global narratives.
He said it marks the beginning of a new era in which Africa gets to lead conversations on the global stage as well as redefining what it means to tell and distribute authentically African stories.
“The selection for Cannes is indeed a great endorsement for the future of Africa in global box office. For too long, African stories have been sidelined or misrepresented in global media, and this film signifies a turning point and an opportunity for the world to witness the richness and depth of our culture, history, and creative storytelling,” he said.
“Festac ‘77 is a reflection of the strides we have made in both production quality and storytelling. As an executive producer, I’ve seen first-hand how we have evolved from a growing industry to a force that competes globally in terms of scale, ambition, and technical expertise. African stories are no longer confined to a niche audience; they are reaching global markets, and this film is an example of that,” added Prince Tonye Princewill who is also an Executive Producer of the film.
Set for release in 2025, the movie is expected to be a landmark in Africa’s journey towards global prominence.
As it moves from Cannes to wider audiences, the film aims to bridge the past and present, spotlighting African culture on a platform that continues to shape the future of cinema.
