Osamede, a historical fantasy novel from Nigeria, will make its debut at the Pavillon Afriques on May 17 at the Cannes Film Market.
The film’s entry represents a significant development for Nigerian cinema as it continues to gain popularity abroad.
Osamede, a young orphan girl in the Benin Kingdom who discovers superhuman abilities tied to the ancient Aruosa stone, is a film that was directed by Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) winner James Omokwe (Ajoche, Riona, Itura, Chetam) and executive produced by Lilian Olubi. Her goal is to free her people from British rule.
“With Osamede, we’re revolutionizing how African historical narratives are presented, despite the export of music and movies abroad.” Production values and storytelling rival Hollywood fantasy epics, according to Olubi, bring the mythology of the legendary Benin Empire to life in this movie.
Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Alexander Bud are the film’s stars. In a similar vein to The Woman King and Black Panther, it joins the growing canon of African historical fantasy works that are gaining worldwide notoriety.
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Osamede, a stage play created by Olubi’s Gold Lilies Productions, is a cinematic adaptation. The film had a pre-tested narrative foundation similar to successful Broadway-to-screen adaptations, and the theatrical version was performed 12 times to sold-out audiences.
Beyond just being a fantasy movie set in Africa, “Osamede goes. We’re using the fantasy genre to reclaim our historical narrative with this movie.
We’re continuing to develop African historical fantasy based on true Benin Kingdom mythology, as Black Panther did for Afrofuturism. In a way that hasn’t been seen before, director Omokwe said, “our approach combines authentic cultural elements with cinematic spectacle.”
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The world’s appetite for culturally rooted storytelling is growing as a result of the premiere. The rich, underexplored heritage of the Benin Empire is highlighted in Osamede, which also provides an opportunity to showcase the commercial potential of African historical fantasy.
The movie’s Cannes screening is in line with Nigeria’s wider plans to expand its film industry internationally. It builds on the momentum created by My Father’s Shadow, which will be the first official Cannes film from Nigeria this year.
Both movies represent a breakthrough for global recognition for Nollywood, both present in the main festival selection and the film market simultaneously.
Osamede
Osamede is a historical fantasy set during the Benin Empire’s British invasion in 1897.
According to Benin mythology, a young orphan girl discovers extraordinary abilities linked to the sacred Aruosa stone, an artefact thought to be a divine gift from Osanobua.
The production, which was shot on location in Benin City, Nigeria, excels in terms of historical accuracy and cultural authenticity by seamlessly blending traditional elements with sophisticated visual effects to create a fantasy world.
Source: Channels TV
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