The Nigerian historical fantasy film Osamede is set to make a powerful entrance onto the international stage with its official screening at the 2025 Cannes Film Market on May 17.
Hosted at the prestigious Pavillon Afriques, the screening marks a significant moment for Nigerian cinema, particularly in its efforts to spotlight African mythology and history through high-quality fantasy storytelling.
This move not only cements Nigeria’s growing influence in global filmmaking but also reinforces its commitment to reclaiming and reimagining indigenous narratives in captivating, world-class formats.
Directed by Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards winner James Omokwe—renowned for works such as Ajoche, Riona, and Itura—and executive produced by finance expert and cultural advocate Lilian Olubi, Osamede tells a rich tale of resilience, power, and identity.
Set in the 1897 colonial Benin Kingdom, the story follows a young orphaned girl who stumbles upon a mystical artifact, the Aruosa stone, which unlocks her latent superhuman abilities.
Armed with this newfound strength, she embarks on a courageous mission to free her people from British colonial domination, drawing from the deep well of Benin mythology to ignite a cinematic experience like no other.
Olubi, who will also be speaking on a panel at Cannes, described Osamede as a transformative moment for African storytelling in film.
“Nigeria has exported music and films globally,” she explained, “but with Osamede, we’re revolutionising how African historical narratives are presented by bringing the legendary Benin Empire’s mythology to life with production values and storytelling that mirror Hollywood fantasy epics.”
Her panel, aptly titled Beyond Budgets: Innovative Funding for Filmmakers, will explore how the project was realized through creative financing and bold vision.
Director James Omokwe emphasized that Osamede is more than just a fantasy film—it’s a cultural reclamation. “Osamede goes beyond a fantasy film set in Africa.
With this film, we’re reclaiming our historical narrative through the fantasy genre,” Omokwe shared. “What Black Panther did for Afrofuturism, we’re doing for African historical fantasy rooted in actual Benin Kingdom mythology.
Our approach combines authentic cultural elements with cinematic spectacle in ways audiences haven’t seen before.” His vision merges tradition with innovation, creating a genre-defining film that speaks to the past and the future simultaneously.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Osamede is its evolution from stage to screen. Originally conceived and performed by Olubi’s Gold Lilies Productions, the story debuted as a theatrical production and was staged 12 times to sold-out audiences.
This proven storytelling foundation gave the creative team a springboard to craft a film with emotional depth and narrative integrity—qualities often missing in high-concept fantasy productions.
The film’s transition from live theatre to international cinema echoes the success of major Broadway-to-screen adaptations, bolstering its artistic and commercial potential.
James Omokwe further highlighted the importance of timing for Osamede’s release. “Osamede arrives at a time when global audiences are increasingly seeking authentic cultural storytelling with universal appeal,” he noted.
“The film presents a rare opportunity to capitalise on the commercial potential of historical fantasy while introducing audiences to the untapped cinematic wealth of Benin Kingdom lore.”
As streaming platforms and film festivals expand their reach, Osamede positions itself to ride the wave of demand for rich, underrepresented stories from Africa.
The Cannes screening of Osamede also complements Nigeria’s broader ambitions through the Screen Nigeria initiative, which seeks to elevate the country’s cinematic footprint internationally.
The film’s debut follows the landmark selection of My Father’s Shadow for Cannes’ Official Selection—the first Nigerian film to achieve such recognition.
Together, these films reflect a dynamic shift in how Nigerian stories are being told and received, signaling the emergence of Nollywood as a serious player in global cinema.
Starring an impressive cast that includes Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Imasuen, and Alexander Bud, Osamede taps into the rising genre of African historical fantasy, evoking comparisons to major productions like The Woman King.
However, its roots in Benin mythology and its dedication to authenticity make it stand apart.
By weaving ancient legends into a high-stakes cinematic adventure, Osamede not only celebrates cultural identity but also reshapes what fantasy means for African storytelling on a global scale.
