The much-anticipated 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, offering global audiences a first look at the film that revisits Africa’s largest cultural festival.
Produced by Adonis Production and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film explores the historical significance of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ‘77). It reflects on the festival’s cultural legacy and its enduring impact on African identity.
The Cannes showcase marks a milestone for FESTAC ‘77, which has attracted international attention for its ambitious production and star-studded cast. With high production values and a focus on historical storytelling, the film aims to elevate Africa’s history on the global cinematic stage.
Executive Producer Adonijah Owiriwa highlighted the film’s role in reclaiming African narratives:
“This film is a reclamation of Africa’s rich history. It revisits a defining moment in African unity and cultural assertion—bringing to life a story of ambition, conflict, and triumph. Through cinema, we’re not only preserving our past but ensuring that the world engages with our stories on our terms. The Cannes showcase is a pivotal step toward shifting the global perception of African cinema, proving our stories are as grand, complex, and worthy of global platforms as any other.”
Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group (comprising Filmhouse Cinemas, FilmOne Entertainment, and FilmOne Studios), emphasized the film’s significance in reshaping global narratives:
“FESTAC ‘77 is a landmark in African storytelling and a major step toward redefining Africa’s place in global cinema. Its selection for Cannes is a strong endorsement of the continent’s creative future. For too long, African stories have been sidelined or misrepresented. This film offers the world a chance to experience the richness and depth of our culture, history, and creativity. It marks the beginning of a new era where we lead the global conversation on our own terms.”
Prince Tonye Princewill, also an Executive Producer, applauded the evolution of African cinema and the film’s role in that journey:
“FESTAC ‘77 reflects how far we’ve come in both production quality and storytelling. I’ve witnessed our industry grow from humble beginnings into a global force—defined by scale, ambition, and technical excellence. African stories are no longer limited to niche audiences; they are reaching international markets. This film embodies the high standards we’ve worked hard to achieve. It’s not just a landmark for this project, but a defining moment for African cinema as a whole.”
