A newly produced blockbuster film titled “77: The Festac Conspiracy” will once again spotlight Nigerian Nollywood on the world stage as it premieres at the Cannes Film Festival in France on May 19.
It is worth noting that this compelling new production, featuring acclaimed Nollywood icons including Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic, arrives ten years after the team behind the film broke new ground with “76”, Africa’s first military thriller.
The screening of the new film will take place at 2:00 p.m. on May 19 at the prestigious Palais des Festivals in France.
The 107-minute political thriller and historical drama — produced by Adonis Production, led by Adonija Owiriwa and Tonye Princewill, and directed by the award-winning Izu Ojukwu — stars Nollywood heavyweights including Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic. West Africa’s premier distribution company, FilmOne Entertainment, will oversee the release and distribution.
The film dramatizes the political intrigue and international tensions surrounding Nigeria’s historic FESTAC ’77, the largest pan-African cultural festival ever held. It weaves a suspense-filled narrative exploring nationalism, identity, and legacy.
“With ‘77: The Festac Conspiracy’, we delve deeper into history, but with even greater cinematic force, This film is more than a story — it’s a cultural reckoning and a global statement about where Nigerian cinema is headed.” said Tonye Princewill, producer.
Director Izu Ojukwu added: “Like ‘76’, this film honors our history. But ‘77’ dares to question it, dramatize it, and humanize it — all through a cinematic lens worthy of the global stage.”
The cast and creative crew of the movie will participate in a series of high-profile events, including a talk at Plage Des Palmes on May 19, where they will engage global industry leaders in discussions about the evolution of African storytelling.
A panel at AfroCannes – New Nigeria Day – will also examine the film’s themes and Nigeria’s cultural reawakening. The official screening will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Room G of the Palais des Festivals on the same day.
An interview with Ernest White II at AfroCannes will feature an in-depth conversation on the making of “77” and the global rise of Nollywood. These activities are part of a broader campaign not only to elevate “77: The Festac Conspiracy” but also to unveil the new face of Nigerian cinema to the global film community.
The movie’s premiere will also mark the debut of the Nigerian Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival — a first in the festival’s 77-year history. Additionally, the inclusion of a Nigerian film in the official selection signals a transformative milestone for the country’s film industry.
“This year isn’t just about one film. It’s about an industry that has matured, innovated, and is now ready to lead. The Nigerian Pavilion and the recognition by Cannes are proof that the world is watching,” said co-producer Adonija Owiriwa.