Nigerian Historical Fantasy Film Set to Shine at 2025 Cannes Film Market

A new Nigerian historical fantasy film titled Osamede is set to make waves on the global stage as it prepares to screen at the 2025 Cannes Film Market.

The screening will take place on May 17 at the prestigious Pavillon Afriques, making it a major moment for African cinema and mythology.

According to a statement released to PUNCH Online, the Cannes screening is a big step towards bringing African legends and stories to a global audience. It also positions Nigeria as a strong player in the international fantasy film scene.

Osamede is directed by James Omokwe, a well-known filmmaker celebrated for his work on popular shows like Ajoche, Riona, Chetam, and Itura. The film is executive produced by Lilian Olubi, a finance and investment expert.

Together, they’ve brought a powerful story to life, one that blends history, magic, and culture in a unique way.

Set in 1897 during the colonial era in the Benin Kingdom, the film follows the journey of an orphaned girl who discovers she has special powers.

With the help of a magical object called the Aruosa stone, she sets out to free her people from British colonial rule. Speaking ahead of the event, Olubi said, “Nigeria has already made a mark with music and films worldwide.

With Osamede, we’re changing how African historical stories are told, bringing the mythology of the great Benin Empire to life with top-quality production and storytelling that matches Hollywood fantasy films.”

READ ALSO: Nigerian Singer Portable Buys Brand New Ford F150 Truck (VIDEOS)

Olubi will also be a speaker at a Cannes panel session titled Beyond Budgets: Innovative Funding for Filmmakers, where she’ll share insights into the film’s production journey.

Director James Omokwe explained that Osamede is more than just an entertaining fantasy. “This film is about taking back our history and telling it through a magical lens,” he said. “Just like Black Panther did for Afrofuturism, Osamede aims to do for African historical fantasy.

We’ve blended real cultural elements with cinematic effects to give audiences something they’ve never seen before.”

What makes Osamede even more special is its origin as a stage play. Produced by Olubi’s Gold Lilies Productions, it was performed 12 times to packed audiences.

This strong foundation gave the story the chance to grow and evolve before being turned into a film—similar to the way successful Broadway shows are adapted into movies.

Omokwe also highlighted the timing of Osamede’s release. “Right now, people around the world are looking for fresh stories that are both real and exciting,” he said. “This film is a rare chance to show the world the rich traditions and myths of the Benin Kingdom, while also tapping into the growing interest in historical fantasy.”

The film features a talented cast, including Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Imasuen, and Alexander Bud. It has already drawn comparisons to global hits like The Woman King due to its strong African roots and epic storytelling.

Osamede is also part of a larger movement to grow Nigeria’s film industry on the global stage. It aligns with the Screen Nigeria initiative, which supports Nigerian filmmakers in gaining international recognition.

The Cannes screening will take place alongside My Father’s Shadow, which recently became the first Nigerian film to be selected for Cannes’ Official Selection.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram