The Nigerian historical fantasy film ‘Osamede‘ will screen at the 2025 Cannes Film Market on May 17.
Directed by James Omokwe and executive produced by Lilian Olubi, the film tells the story of an orphaned girl who discovers superhuman powers in the 1897 colonial Benin Kingdom.
Her mission is to harness the power of the ancient Aruosa stone and liberate her people from British colonial control.
The film features a talented cast, including Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Alexander Bud.
‘Osamede’ marks a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema, showcasing African historical narratives and mythology on the international stage.
“Nigeria has exported music and films globally, but with OSAMEDE, we’re revolutionising how African historical narratives are presented by bringing the legendary Benin Empire’s mythology to life with production values and storytelling that mirror Hollywood fantasy epics,” said Olubi, who will also speak on the Cannes panel.
‘Osamede’ was first a sold-out theatrical production staged 12 times by Olubi’s Gold Lilies Productions. This stage-to-screen evolution mirrors successful Broadway adaptations, giving the film a pre-tested narrative foundation before its cinematic debut.
On his part, Omokwe said: “Osamede goes beyond a fantasy film set in Africa, with this film, we’re reclaiming our historical narrative through the fantasy genre.
“What ‘Black Panther’ did for Afrofuturism, we’re doing for African historical fantasy rooted in actual Benin Kingdom mythology. Our approach combines authentic cultural elements with cinematic spectacle in ways audiences haven’t seen before.”
The film’s Cannes debut coincides with a landmark year for Nigerian cinema, as ‘My Father’s Shadow’ becomes the first Nigerian film selected for Cannes’ Official Selection.
Together, these films signal Nigeria’s growing influence in global cinema, aligning with the government’s ‘Screen Nigeria’ initiative to expand the country’s film industry internationally.
Cannes Film Market is an annual marketplace for films and one of the world’s largest film markets. Established in 1959, it is held annually in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival.
