Nigerian Fantasy Epic “Osamede” To Premiere At Cannes In 2025

A Nigerian historical fantasy film, Osamede, will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Market on May 14, spotlighting Africa’s cultural stories on a global stage.

The film, which follows a young orphan who gains supernatural powers during the British invasion of the Benin Empire, will be screened at Pavilion Afriques. Directed by James Omokwe, known for series like Ajoche and Riona, the film blends real history with vibrant fantasy.

Set in Benin City and shot with striking cultural depth, Osamede stars Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Alexander Bud. The story centres on Osamede’s journey of courage, power, and freedom, guided by a mystical stone linked to the god Osanobua.

What began as a stage play by Gold Lilies Productions has evolved into a major film, echoing Broadway-to-Hollywood success stories. It is executive-produced by finance expert Lilian Olubi, whose vision merges business and film to boost Nollywood’s global appeal.

James Omokwe, the Director of Osamede likened the film to Black Panther. In an Instagram post, he said, “What Black Panther did for Afrofuturism, we’re doing for African historical fantasy rooted in actual Benin Kingdom mythology.”

Osamede will be shown alongside My Father’s Shadow by Akinola Davies Jr, the first Nigerian film in the official Cannes selection, marking a major year for Nigerian cinema. Both projects reflect Nollywood’s growing ambition to tell rich, rooted stories with international reach.

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