Nigerian cinema continues its global ascent with ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ earning two key nominations at the upcoming 2025 Septimius Awards. The film is in the running for Best African Film, while Stan Nze, who previously won at the same event, is nominated again, this time for Best African Actor.
Directed by Kayode Kasum (‘Afamefuna’) and produced by Winifred Nkiru Mena-Ajakpovi (‘4:4:44’), ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ weaves a gripping narrative that fuses legal drama, family conflict, and psychological suspense. At the story’s core is the sudden death of an Igbo patriarch, setting off a chain of revelations around love, legacy, and spiritual inheritance. As personal ambition clashes with cultural tradition and buried secrets rise to the surface, the film poses a haunting question: Can justice prevail at the end of the serpent’s path?
Visually rooted in the richness of Igbo aesthetics, the film is brought to life through vibrant costumes, evocative language, and thoughtful cultural detail. Its powerful storytelling is matched by a commanding cast: Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Tina Mba, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Beverly Osu, Tracey George, and singer Ric Hassani, who surprises in a compelling departure from his musical persona.
Stan Nze’s performance grounds the story with quiet intensity, making his nomination especially noteworthy. Reflecting on the film, Kasum calls it “a love letter to the richness of Nigerian traditions and the universal complexity of family.”
The Septimius Awards, known for celebrating independent and inclusive storytelling, span categories across film, documentary, and television. The Best African Film nomination places ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ alongside a lineup of outstanding African films vying for international recognition at the event, which is scheduled to take place in Amsterdam this September.
‘The Serpent’s Gift’ is set to hit cinemas across West Africa on August 29, with distribution by The Nile Entertainment.
