Cannes: Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), announced that the screening of Nigeria’s thriller movie ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy’ captivated the international audience at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nuhu, through NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, Brian Etuk, highlighted that the preview of this historical film made a significant impact, showcasing Nigeria’s cinematic influence at the prestigious festival. The film explores the interplay of Nigeria’s cinema, its cross-border influence, and the renaissance of African cinema, serving as the centerpiece of the special screening.
’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy’ is a reflection on the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), a pivotal event in Nigeria’s creative and cinematic history in 1977. The film resurrects FESTAC 77, nearly five decades later, reviving enduring memories of the historic event. For years, Nigeria’s absence in the official selections of the Cannes Film Festival was noticeable. However, this year, Nigeria made a historic mark with the highly anticipated preview of the film.
Nuhu emphasized that this moment was strategic for attracting vital support and resources to Nigeria’s film industry. He explained that Nigeria’s presence at Cannes was a declaration of artistic arrival, with FESTAC 77 being symbolic of this emergence. The Cannes Festival embodied Nigeria’s audacious vision of becoming a ‘continental creative powerhouse,’ a vision the NFC is reigniting.
Directed by Izu Ojukwu and produced by Adonis Productions, ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy’ is more than just a period piece. The film reunites the talented duo of Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic, reprising their roles as Captain Joseph Dewa and Suzy from the acclaimed political thriller ’76.’ Nuhu concluded by stating that Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival was indeed a success.
