"77: The Festac Conspiracy" to Premiere at Cannes Film Festival – A Decade After Groundbreaking African Thriller "76"
"77: The Festac Conspiracy" to Premiere at Cannes Film Festival – A Decade After Groundbreaking African Thriller "76"
Ten years after breaking new ground with "76", Africa's first military thriller, the acclaimed team behind the film returns to the international spotlight with the world premiere of "77: The Festac Conspiracy" at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. The screening will take place on May 19 at 2:00 PM at the prestigious Palais des Festivals, marking a defining moment for Nigerian and African cinema. Produced by Adonis Production — led by Adonija Owiriwa and Tonye Princewill — and directed by the award-winning Izu Ojukwu, "77" stars Nollywood icons Ramsay Nouah and Rita Dominic. FilmOne Entertainment, West Africa's premier distribution company, is handling the film's release.
The film dramatizes the political intrigue and international tensions surrounding Nigeria's historic FESTAC '77 — the largest pan-African cultural festival ever held — weaving a suspense-filled narrative that explores nationalism, identity, and legacy.
"With '77: The Festac Conspiracy', we go deeper into history, but with even more cinematic power,"
said Tonye Princewill, producer.
"This film is more than a story — it's a cultural reckoning and a global statement about where Nigerian cinema is headed."
"This film honors our history, just like '76,'"
director Izu Ojukwu continued.
"But through a cinematic vision fit for the world stage, "77" dares to dramatize, humanize, and interrogate it."
A Full Slate of Activities at the Cannes to promote the film and highlight the growth of Nigerian cinema, the cast and creators of "77" will participate in a number of high-profile events throughout the festival, including:
● May 19, 10,00 AM: Talk at Plage des Palmes — engaging global industry leaders in a conversation about the evolution of African storytellers
● May 19, 12:00 PM: Panel at AfroCannes – New Nigeria Day — discussing the film's themes and Nigeria's cultural reawakening.
● May 19, 2:00 PM: Official Screening at Palais des Festivals.
● Interview with Ernest White II at Afro Cannes — a candid conversation on the making of "77" and the global rise of Nollywood.
These activities are part of a larger campaign not only to elevate "77: The Festac Conspiracy", but also to unveil the new face of Nigerian cinema to the global film industry.
A Historic Year for Nigeria at Cannes.
The film's premiere aligns with several significant milestones: The historic launch of the Nigerian Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival — a first in its 77-year history, The official selection of a Nigerian film, signaling a pivotal shift for the country's film industry and the Increasing global recognition of Nollywood and African storytelling.
FilmOne Entertainment, a key player in promoting West African cinema globally, is leading the film's international distribution to maximize its worldwide reach.
"This year represents more than a single film,"
said co-producer Adonija Owriwa.
"It reflects the growth, creativity, and leadership potential of an entire industry. The Nigerian Pavilion and Cannes' acknowledgment show that global attention is now on us."
