’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy, a Nigerian film that chronicles and examines Africa’s historic Festival of Arts and Culture held in Lagos in 1977, has been selected for screening at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Recently endorsed by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), the movie is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Izu Ojukwu and features a star-studded cast including Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Seun Kuti, Daniel K. Daniel, and Ibinabo Fiberesima, among others.
The documentary delves into the political, cultural, and historical significance of FESTAC ’77, a landmark event that brought together artists, intellectuals, and performers from across the African continent and diaspora. Its inclusion at Cannes marks a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
Stressing the significance of the film’s screening at the globally renowned French film festival, the managing director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, described it as an opportunity for the world to experience not only a pivotal chapter in African and Nigerian history but also to “savor the artistic and savvy storytelling ingenuity of Nigerian filmmaking.”
Nuhu emphasised the importance of institutional support for films like ’77, noting that such backing is essential for Nigerian cinema to gain a stronger foothold on global platforms. He affirmed that under his leadership, the NFC will spare no effort in advancing the Nigerian film industry.
According to him, both domestic and international opportunities that contribute to the sector’s growth will be actively explored and sustainably harnessed.
He continued, “NFC’s screen ’77 Cannes Initiative will boost the ‘Destination 2030’ creative economy development policy for Nigeria spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.”