The historical thriller film ’77: The Festac Conspiracy has been chosen by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) for an exclusive preview at the AfroCannes Diversity & Inclusion Event, happening during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France, giving audiences their first look at this vivid recreation of Africa’s landmark Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.
Produced by Adonis Productions and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film explores the origins, ambitions and cultural legacy of FESTAC ’77, the four-week international festival held in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 15 to February 12, 1977.
Following Nigeria’s first official Cannes selection with Akinola Davies Jr’s My Father’s Shadow, the Cannes showcase underscores a growing international interest in and push for African cinema. Izu Ojukwu directs Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Seun Kuti, and Daniel K. Daniel’s performances in ’77: The Festac Conspiracy, combining high production values with meticulous period detail to bring this pivotal week of unity and artistic exchange to life.
“This project is about reclaiming our history,” says Adonijah Owiriwa, executive producer. “From wardrobe design based on archival photographs to scenes that dramatise the festival’s political debates, we’re preserving our past—and inviting the world to engage on our terms. Screening at Cannes is a pivotal moment for African storytelling.”
Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group (Filmhouse Cinemas, FilmOne Entertainment, FilmOne Studios), adds:
“’77: The Festac Conspiracy is a significant contribution to African storytelling in reshaping global narratives. The selection for Cannes is indeed a great endorsement for the future of Africa in the global box office. For too long, African stories have been sidelined or misrepresented in global media, and this film signifies a turning point and an opportunity for the world to witness the richness and depth of our culture, history, and creative storytelling. This moment, at one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, marks the beginning of a new era in which we get to lead conversations on the global stage, redefining what it means to tell and distribute authentically African stories.”
Scheduled for wider release later in 2025, ’77: The Festac Conspiracy aims to bridge past and present—spotlighting African culture on the world’s most respected cinematic platforms.
