A major milestone for African cinema is on the horizon as FESTAC ‘77, a historical epic produced by Adonis Production and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, has been selected for an exclusive preview at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film revisits the landmark 1977 Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), a defining celebration of African heritage, arts, and unity.
Chosen by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), FESTAC ‘77 will offer global audiences a glimpse into one of the most iconic cultural events in Africa’s modern history, marking a significant moment in the ongoing global recognition of African storytelling.
Executive Producer Adonijah Owiriwa described the film as a powerful journey into the continent’s cultural past. “This is more than a film—it’s a restoration of African memory and pride,” Owiriwa said. “By dramatizing FESTAC ‘77, we’re reconnecting with a moment of continental solidarity and cultural expression. Through cinema, we’re taking charge of how our stories are remembered and retold.”
Set against the backdrop of one of the largest pan-African cultural gatherings ever held, FESTAC ‘77 dramatizes the vibrant exchange of art, music, performance, and political ideology that shaped African identity in the post-independence era. With sweeping visuals, a compelling cast, and meticulous attention to historical detail, the film aims to position African cinema on par with the world’s most celebrated storytelling traditions.
For Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group (which includes Filmhouse Cinemas, FilmOne Studios, and FilmOne Entertainment), the Cannes selection represents a wider turning point. “This is a defining moment for African film,” he noted. “Global audiences are ready to engage with our stories—not as side notes, but as central narratives. The selection of FESTAC ‘77 at Cannes proves that African cinema has not only arrived but is ready to lead.”
Fellow Executive Producer Prince Tonye Princewill emphasized the broader progress in African filmmaking. “From production design to technical execution, this film reflects how far we’ve come,” he said. “We’ve grown from hopeful beginnings to delivering films that can stand proudly on global stages. FESTAC ‘77 isn’t just about the past—it’s a statement about our present and our readiness to shape the future of global cinema.”
As anticipation builds ahead of its Cannes preview, FESTAC ‘77 is being hailed not just as a film, but as a cultural landmark—one that asserts Africa’s place at the forefront of cinematic innovation, heritage preservation, and narrative ownership.
