Nigerian historical fantasy “OSAMEDE” will screen at the 2025 Cannes Film Market on May 17 at the Pavillon Afriques, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema on the international stage.
Directed by Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) winner James Omokwe
(Chetam, Ajoche, Riona, Itura) and executive produced by investment and finance
veteran Lilian Olubi, the film follows an orphaned girl who discovers superhuman
powers in 1897 colonial Benin Kingdom.
Her mission: to harness the power of the
ancient Aruosa stone and liberate her people from British colonial control.
“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.
” says Olubi, who will also speak on the Cannes
panel “Beyond Budgets: Innovative Funding for Filmmakers”
.
The film stars Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin
Adeyemi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Alexander Bud, bringing to life a narrative
that falls within the growing category of African historical fantasy, showcased in
recent global successes like “The Woman King.
”
OSAMEDE represents a unique stage-to-screen evolution, building on the theatrical
production staged 12 times to sold-out audiences by Olubi’s Gold Lilies Productions.
This adaptation process gives the film a pre-tested narrative foundation similar to
successful Broadway-to-screen adaptations.
Director James Omokwe adds,
“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.
”
OSAMEDE arrives at a moment when global audiences are increasingly seeking
authentic cultural storytelling with universal appeal. The film presents a rare
opportunity to capitalize on the proven commercial potential of historical fantasy
while introducing audiences to the untapped cinematic wealth of Benin Kingdom
lore.
The film’s international debut comes as Nigeria’s cinema industry continues to
expand globally. This expansion resonates with the vision behind Nigeria’s ‘Screen
Nigeria’ initiative to increase the country’s cinematic footprint abroad.
The timing is particularly significant, as “My Father’s Shadow” makes history this year
as the first Nigerian film to screen in Cannes’ Official Selection. Together, these films
mark a breakthrough moment for Nigerian cinema, creating a simultaneous
presence in both the festival’s main selection and the film market.
Exclusive first-look images from the film are available to media covering this
announcement, showcasing the film’s distinctive visual style set in the historical
Benin Kingdom.
Photo credit: Gold Lilies Productions
About OSAMEDE
OSAMEDE is a historical fantasy epic set during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin
Empire. The film follows an orphaned girl who discovers she possesses superhuman
powers tied to the ancient Aruosa stone, a sacred artifact gifted to men by Osanobua
according to Benin mythology.
Shot on location in Benin City, Nigeria with meticulous attention to historical detail,
the film combines authentic Benin cultural elements with spectacular visual effects
to create an immersive fantasy world.
Starring Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Lancelot Oduwa
Imasuen, and Alexander Bud, this adaptation of the acclaimed stage play transforms
a successful theatrical experience into a cinematic adventure.
Director James Omokwe (Showmax Originals Ajoche, Riona, Itura, Chetam and
Diiche) brings his distinctive visual style to Executive Producer Lilian Olubi’s vision of
introducing global audiences to the rich heritage of African societies through the
universal language of historical storytelling.