The movie is set six years after the Nigerian civil war, 76 tells the story of a young officer from the Middle Belt who gets entangled in a romantic relationship. A new chapter in Nigerian filmmaking is being turned as Africa Magic,in partnership with Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust, produces
76, a tale of love, trust, faith and family set against the backdrop of war and nation building.
Set six years after the Nigerian civil war, 76 tells the
story of a young officer from the Middle Belt who gets entangled in a
romantic relationship and eventually marries a beautiful student from
the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Their budding romance is threatened
by endless military postings, and they face the ultimate test when news
of the soldier’s involvement in a botched coup attempt hits the
headlines.
Speaking on the movie, the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “76
is an adventurous foray into filmmaking in Nigeria. It’s an exciting,
compelling storyline that
many Nigerians and indeed Africans will relate
with. The directing and production quality are top notch, and the
themes celebrate values including courage, loyalty, patience, trust and
sacrifice. 76 takes filmmaking up another level in Nigeria and we at
Africa Magic are indeed excited to partner with Adonis Productions and
Princewill’s trust in bringing this movie to viewers across Africa.”
Directed by award winning director, Izu Ojukwu, 76 is inspired by events which led up to and followed the botched 1976
coup d’etat, and features real life, archived, actual footage that
contributes to the movie’s overall authenticity. The execution of the
movie was also done with approval and support from the Nigerian Army.
The director of the movie, Izu Ojukwu, said: “76 tells a tale of
love in the time of war. The movie deals with a range of issues
including the plight of the African woman, and the usually invisible
pain of a soldier’s wife. 76 highlights the enduring Nigerian cultural
values of courage, resilience, patience, loyalty, faith and family and
the nation’s ability to surmount all challenges.”
The release of 76 comes 40 years after the actual events,
and follows four years of work by the director and the production duo of
Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust. 76 stars renowned
Nollywood names including Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme,
Ibinabo Fiberesinma, Ada Ofoegbu, Daniel K Daniel and a host of others.
On his part, the Executive Producer of 76 and a patron of the Nigerian Association of Movie Producers, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, said: “76
is a deeply emotional movie, and it resonated deeply with me as I am
sure it will do for viewers not just in Nigeria, but around the world.
The movie’s thematic preoccupation presents a number of questions
including the country’s mis-direction amongst many other issues. 76 is
the first movie to be shot on film and was thus a very expensive
project. We are however very satisfied with the finished work and we
know viewers will thoroughly enjoy the movie.”
Thanking the Nigerian Army, M-Net and other sponsors for their support, Mr. Princewill added: “None
of all this would be possible without the support we have received and
continue to receive. The cast and crew have been phenomenal, and they
gave their all to make this movie the success that it is. I’d also like
to thank my partners Adonis Production led by Mr. Adonijah for showing
me one of the most powerful ways to touch lives – by making movies.”
76 premieres mid-2016 and thereafter comes to screens across
the continent courtesy of Africa Magic. Speaking on the Nigerian Army’s
involvement in the movie, the Head Civil-Military Affairs Army Head
Quarters, Major-General Nicholas Rogers, said: “The military today
is in a very different place from where it was in 1976. As the world has
evolved, so have we. The relationship between the army and the people
is even more critical. Our true strength comes from our collaboration,
and nowhere is it better illustrated than in partnerships such as
these.” Major-General Nicholas Rogers also reiterated the
commitment of the Nigerian Army Leadership to anything positive that
tells the true story.
Speaking further, Mba-Uzoukwu added: “76 is yet another example
of the ongoing partnerships between Africa Magic and the leading movie
Nigerian production houses. Our resolve to continuously improve the
Nigerian film industry remains a key part of our investment strategy.
Through our ongoing partnerships with Nollywood industry stakeholders,
we continue to positively impact Nollywood, a factor that steadily
ensures continuous development in the industry even as it also gives us
the opportunity to add to the exciting content on our channels.”
We look forward to having the highly anticipated movie at the cinema.
