The highly anticipated film FESTAC ’77, produced by Adonis Production and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, is set to make its exclusive preview at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This historical epic focuses on Africa’s largest cultural festival, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, which occurred in 1977. Selected by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), the film aims to spotlight Africa’s cultural legacy and historical significance while elevating the continent’s stories on the global stage.
Executive Producer Adonijah Owiriwa emphasised the film’s role in reclaiming African narratives, stating, “This film revisits a defining moment in African unity and cultural assertion. Through cinema, we preserve our past and ensure that global audiences engage with our stories on our terms.”
Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group, highlighted the film’s importance in reshaping perceptions of African storytelling. He remarked, “The selection for Cannes is a significant endorsement for the future of Africa in the global box office, marking a turning point where the richness of our culture and history is recognised.”
Supporting this vision, Prince Tonye Princewill, another Executive Producer for FESTAC ’77, spoke about the industry’s evolution, noting, “We’ve made great strides in production quality and storytelling. African cinema is no longer confined to a niche market; we compete globally.”
FESTAC ’77 represents a landmark moment for African cinema, showcasing high production values and intricate narratives celebrating the continent’s creativity and rich heritage. As the world prepares to witness this film, it begins a new era in which African stories take centre stage on international platforms.v
