’77: The Festac Conspiracy’, a Nigerian historical film, has been selected to screen at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.
The screening will take place on May 19 at 2:00 pm at the prestigious Palais des Festivals.
The film, which was directed by Izu Ojukwu and produced by Tonye Princewill and Adonijah Owiriwa, is the sequel to the 2016 ‘‘76′.
’77: The Festac Conspiracy’ follows the story of an aggrieved ex-serviceman who was invited to be part of a cause out to upset the political order of the continent two days before the commencement of the Second World African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) of 1977.
Cast members include Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Seun Kuti, and Daniel K. Daniel.
Speaking about the film in an Instagram post, Owiriwa revealed that the sequel was inspired by public demand following ’76’.
He said the film also aims to educate people about the origins and cultural significance of FESTAC, which has largely been “shrouded in darkness”.
“After ’76’, people started clamouring for a sequel especially considering how ’76’ ended with the lead being expelled from the barracks,” he said.
“Fortunately, the next year was 77 when we had FESTAC, the festival for blacks and Africans all over the globe.
“It was a one-in-a-lifetime festival because after 1977 it has bit happened again. When you look at Nigerian history, quite a lot of it is shrouded in darkness, sad situations.
“..So we decided to weave the story around the cultural event that happened. My objective as a producer is ti first entertain but also educate.
“To make people understand our history becayif you don’t know where you are coming from, it is hard to navigate your way.”
Princewill added that the film highlights the unity among the African countries that united to celebrate their cultures during FESTAC.
“The film is not about Nigeria but about 56 African and Black countries coming together,” he said.
“…It is like a cultural infusion, the Black countries celebrating their culture. It was about peace, prosperity and love. Yes, the film is about FESTAC but also about the fact that Africans was coming together.”
The Nigerian historical epic ‘Osamede’ is also screening at the Cannes Film Market.
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