THE RISE OF NOLLYWOOD AT CANNES! CHAMPIONED BY THE NIGERIAN FILM CORPORATION

 “77: The FESTAC Conspiracy”.

How Nigeria Thundered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

As the curtains drew on this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the world once again turned its gaze toward Nigeria — not just as Africa’s creative giant, but as a global cinematic force. Representing the heart and soul of our nation’s storytelling heritage, the special preview screening of “77: The FESTAC Conspiracy” was a historic moment. It wasn’t just a film showing — it was a declaration.

For years, Nigeria’s prolific film industry — Nollywood — remained on the periphery of official selections at Cannes, despite its staggering output and influence. This year, that narrative changed. Nigeria didn’t just participate; we made an unforgettable statement.

Selected and championed by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), “77: The FESTAC Conspiracy”, directed by the masterful Izu Ojukwu and produced by Adonis Productions, transported the Cannes audience into a pivotal moment in our cultural history — the legendary FESTAC '77. The film is a cinematic time machine, not merely a period piece, but a layered thriller infused with the vibrancy, complexity, and brilliance that defined the largest Pan-African gathering in world history.

Featuring the powerhouse duo Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic reprising their roles from “76”, this sequel explores their lives in Lagos during FESTAC, only to uncover a sprawling geopolitical conspiracy that stretches across continents. The film is rich in detail — from vintage vehicles to the authentic portrayal of icons like Fela Aníkúlápó-Kuti, played by his own son Seun Kuti. Every frame is a tribute to our artistic legacy and a signal of what’s to come.

At the NFC, our mission has always been to elevate Nigeria’s cinematic voice and amplify its global reach. As our Managing Director, Dr. Ali Nuhu, remarked at Cannes, this moment is not just about recognition — it’s about strategic growth. The film’s reception has already opened new doors: international acclaim, global distribution interest, and fresh investment opportunities. It validates what we’ve always known — the world is ready for Nigeria’s stories, told our way.

But this triumph goes beyond nostalgia or festival glitz. It aligns with the broader vision of President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its bold policy initiatives — NIGERIA EVERYWHERE and DESTINATION 2030. With a proposed $300 million investment in the creative sector and a $100 billion GDP target within five years, Nigeria is setting the stage for a new era of global creative leadership.

As we look ahead, the NFC remains committed to solving key industry challenges — from funding and training to infrastructure and distribution. We believe in the boundless potential of our filmmakers and creative professionals. Cannes 2025 is a milestone, but it’s only the beginning.

Nigeria has thundered onto the world stage. And we’re here to stay.

From the desk of:

Brian Etuk,

Public Relations Officer,

Nigerian Film Corporation.

Left to Right...

1. Dr. Ali Nuhu, MD/CEO, Nigerian Film Corporation 

2. Barr. Hannatu Musawa, Hon. Minister, Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy 

3. Prince Tonye Princewill

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