A Nigerian epic movie, “FESTAC 77′ has been selected by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), to make an exclusive preview at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.
The movie, scheduled to screen at the festival on May 19, 2025, gives a first look at the film that revisits Africa’s largest ever cultural festival.
The African film export explores the historical significance of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ‘77), reflecting on its cultural legacy and impact on the African identity.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt on the development, philanthropist and executive producer of “FESTAC 77”, Prince Tonye Princewill, applauded the film industry’s evolution and rising ambition.
Princewill said: “FESTAC ‘77 is a reflection of the strides we have made in both production quality and storytelling. As an executive producer, I have seen firsthand 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. It embodies the high production values we’ve worked tirelessly to grow and this is a landmark moment, not only for the ‘77 film, but for the race as a whole; showing the world that African cinema is a powerhouse of creativity.”
Also speaking, another executive producer of the movie, Adonijah Owiriwa said: “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.”
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