Three Nigerian Films Selected for 2025 Nollywood in Hollywood Showcase

The 2025 edition of ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’ will include three films: ‘The Man Died,’ ‘The Weekend,’ and ‘Mai Martaba,’ screening on February 28 and March 1 in Hollywood, California. The event aims to promote Nigerian cinema globally and offers various networking opportunities. It has a rich history of showcasing prominent filmmakers and notable films, impacting Nollywood’s presence in international cinema.

Three Nigerian films have been nominated for the 2025 version of ‘Nollywood in Hollywood,’ which will take place on February 28 and March 1 in Hollywood, California. The selected films, which include ‘The Man Died,’ ‘The Weekend,’ and ‘Mai Martaba,’ will be showcased at the Egyptian Theatre and the Norris Theatre at the University of Southern California, a top film institution worldwide.

Unoma Ononye, the event’s program manager, expressed excitement about the showcase, indicating that it promises to be exceptional. “It has the potential to be a glorious weekend. Everything is set to make this the best showcase in our short history. You come to Nollywood in Hollywood, and you can stay for the Oscars the next day! You can’t beat that,” Ononye stated.

‘The Man Died’ is adapted from Wole Soyinka’s memoir, detailing his 27-month incarceration without trial during the Nigerian Civil War. Directed by Awam Akpa, the film captures Soyinka’s solitary confinement and the psychological toll it took, offering a poignant look at his perseverance against a repressive regime.

‘The Weekend,’ directed by Daniel Oriahi, is a thrilling Nigerian drama that delves into complicated family relationships. The plot follows Nikiya, an orphan who seeks to connect with her fiancé Luke’s estranged family, uncovering distressing secrets that shed light on Luke’s past. The film debuted at the Tribeca Festival and was screened in Nigerian cinemas shortly after.

‘Mai Martaba,’ which means “Your Highness,” is a historical epic showcasing themes of love, greed, and political intrigue. Directed by Prince Daniel, it vividly captures African cultural heritage and has been recognized for enhancing the representation of historical narratives in Nigerian cinema. It is also Nigeria’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 in the International Feature Film category.

Launched in 2018 by Ose Oyamendan, ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’ aims to promote Nigeria’s filmmaking talents to the Hollywood industry and a global audience. Collaborating with American Cinematheque and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Oyamendan has successfully showcased many prominent Nigerian filmmakers and films.

The event encompasses not only screenings but also networking opportunities and discussions, forging connections between Nigerian filmmakers and Hollywood. With past screenings of notable films such as ‘Lionheart’ and ‘King of Boys’, the event has significantly enhanced the global presence of Nollywood.

Despite the challenges of journalism, PREMIUM TIMES remains committed to delivering quality content without paywalls, emphasizing the need for integrity and accessibility in news. The publication encourages readers to support its endeavors to maintain free, quality journalism.

In summary, three notable Nigerian films have been selected for the 2025 edition of ‘Nollywood in Hollywood,’ highlighting Nigeria’s growing cinematic presence on the global stage. The films include ‘The Man Died,’ ‘The Weekend,’ and ‘Mai Martaba,’ all showcasing unique narratives and cultural perspectives. With a legacy of excellent representation in past events, this year’s showcase aims to be one of the most remarkable, further promoting Nigerian cinema internationally.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com