By Bayo Olawunmi
A movie, titled, ‘Osamede’, has premiered in Lagos ahead of its Oct. 17 nationwide release.
The film, a superhero story, is told entirely in Edo and opened theatrically across Nigeria, the UK, and North America within three weeks.
Its Executive Producer, Lilian Olubi, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, said that the movie was produced after proving audience demand through 12 successful stage runs.
Olubi, who is also a board member of the Nigerian Exchange, said the film was shot on location in Fugar and Ososo, in Edo, with extensive cultural consultation.
According to her, the film follows a young woman who discovers ancestral powers through a sacred stone.
“The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, joined industry leaders Sunday night for the Lagos premiere of Osamede, which received a standing ovation.
“The Genesis Cinema screening produced the film’s second standing ovation. The first came at the Oct.10 premiere in Edo State, where the story is set during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom,” Olubi said.
She said the minister’s attendance signaled federal recognition of Nigeria’s creative sector as economic infrastructure.
“With over 17 million Nigerians in the diaspora and growing international demand for authentic African narratives, films like Osamede represent both cultural diplomacy and revenue opportunities across multiple territories,” Olubi said.
Director James Omokwe, a multiple AMVCA-winning filmmaker, reflected on what made the production successful.
“Lilian believed in this story when it was just a stage play.
“She saw what it could become on screen and refused to let obstacles stop that vision.
“When your producer and your actors all believe that deeply, your job as director becomes about protecting that belief and translating it to film,” Omokwe said.
Lead actress, Ivie Egboh, said that she trained for weeks with an Edo language coach before production began.
“The production team refused to compromise on authenticity. Every word had to honour the language and the culture. That commitment raised everyone’s performance,” she said.
Also, William Benson, who plays the film’s antagonist, praised the production environment.
“The professionalism was exceptional. When a team creates that kind of environment, you’re free to focus completely on the character and the story,” Benson said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
