Three standout Nollywood films—The Man Died, The Weekend, and Mai Martaba—have been selected for the prestigious Nollywood in Hollywood showcase, set to take place from 28 February to 1 March 2025 in Hollywood, California.
The films will be screened at two renowned venues: the Egyptian Theatre and the Norris Theatre at the University of Southern California (USC), the world’s leading film institution.
According to Unoma Ononye, the event’s programme manager, this year’s edition promises to be the most remarkable yet.
“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.”
The Selected Films
1. The Man Died (Directed by Awam Akpa)
Based on Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir, this harrowing drama chronicles his 27-month imprisonment without trial during the Nigerian Civil War. The film delves into Soyinka’s solitary confinement and the psychological battles he faced, offering a powerful exploration of resilience and political oppression.
2. The Weekend (Directed by Daniel Oriahi)
A gripping thriller about family secrets and personal identity, The Weekend follows Nikiya, an orphan, as she insists on meeting her fiancé Luke’s estranged family. As the visit unfolds, unsettling truths emerge, leading to shocking revelations. The film premiered at Tribeca Festival (June 2024) before hitting Nigerian cinemas in August 2024.
3. Mai Martaba (Directed by Prince Daniel)
Translating to “Your Highness”, this historical epic is set in an ancient African kingdom, weaving a tale of love, greed, and betrayal in the pursuit of power. Lauded for its cultural depth, Mai Martaba is also Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the International Feature Filmcategory.
About ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’
Launched in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood is dedicated to promoting Nigerian cinema to Hollywood, the Nigerian diaspora, and global audiences. Through O2A Media Corp., Oyamendan collaborates with American Cinematheque and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts to showcase top Nollywood films on an international stage.
Over the years, the event has screened iconic Nigerian films such as Lionheart, King of Boys, Up North, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, and The Milkmaid. Beyond screenings, it serves as a hub for networking, training, and industry discussions, connecting Nollywood filmmakers with Hollywood agencies, casting directors, and studios.
With its growing influence, Nollywood in Hollywood continues to elevate Nigerian cinema, creating opportunities for collaboration and recognition on the global stage.
