Nigerian Fantasy Film Osamede to Premiere at 2025 Cannes Film Market

The Nigerian historical fantasy film Osamede is set to screen at the prestigious Pavillon Afriques during the 2025 Cannes Film Market on May 17, marking a major milestone for African cinema on the global stage.

Directed by Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award winner James Omokwe—known for Chetam, Ajoche, Riona, and Itura—and executive produced by finance and investment expert Lilian Olubi, Osamede explores the mythology of the Benin Kingdom through the eyes of a young orphan girl in 1897 colonial Benin. Armed with supernatural powers and the mystical Aruosa stone, she rises to challenge British colonial forces and liberate her people.

The screening is a significant step in elevating African historical fantasy within the global film industry and further positions Nigeria as a creative powerhouse in the international fantasy genre.

Olubi, who is slated to speak on the Cannes panel “Beyond Budgets: Innovative Funding for Filmmakers,” remarked:

“Nigeria has exported music and films globally, but with Osamede, we’re transforming how African history is told—bringing the legend of the Benin Empire to life with production values and storytelling that rival Hollywood epics.”

Omokwe described the film as an ambitious reimagining of African history through fantasy:

“Osamede is more than just a fantasy film set in Africa—it’s a reclaiming of our historical narrative. What Black Panther did for Afrofuturism, we’re doing for African historical fantasy, blending authentic culture with cinematic spectacle.”

Originally produced as a stage play under Gold Lilies Productions, Osamede captivated audiences through 12 sold-out performances before being adapted for the screen. This proven narrative structure mirrors the success of Broadway-to-Hollywood hits.

“The global audience is hungry for authentic, culturally rich storytelling,” Omokwe added. “Osamede taps into this demand, delivering a powerful narrative rooted in the mythological legacy of the Benin Kingdom.”

The film also aligns with Nigeria’s Screen Nigeria initiative, which aims to expand the country’s cinematic influence globally. Osamede’s Cannes debut comes at a landmark moment for Nigerian film, coinciding with the selection of My Father’s Shadow—the first Nigerian movie to feature in Cannes’ Official Selection.

Osamede features a stellar cast including Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Imasuen, and Alexander Bud, and has drawn comparisons to global blockbusters like The Woman King for its empowering narrative and cinematic scale.

With its Cannes debut, Osamede not only showcases Nigeria’s filmmaking excellence but also brings African mythology into the spotlight—ushering in a new era for historical fantasy storytelling.