The annual Nollywood In Hollywood event has named three films for its 2025 event, which takes place on February 28 and March 1. The chosen films are The Man Died, The Weekend, and Mai Martaba. The venue is the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and the Norris Theater at the University of Southern California (USC).
According to Unoma Ononye, programme manager of the event, “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.”
Since its inception, the Nollywood in Hollywood has featured works by prominent Nigerian filmmakers, including Steve Gukas, Kunle Afolayan, Genevieve Nnaji, Jade Osiberu, Kemi Adetiba, CJ Obasi, Daniel Ademinokan, and Desmond Ovbiagele, amongst others. Past participating films include Things Fall Apart, King of Boys, Lion Heart, and Isoken.
Founded by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood takes place in partnership with the American Cinematheque and the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
Synopses of the selected films
The Man Died is based on the memoir by Wole Soyinka. Directed by Awam Amkpa, the film explores Nigeria’s Civil War and covers Soyinka’s imprisonment by the military government of the time. Wale Ojo plays Soyinka. He’s joined by Sam Dede, Nobert Young, Chidi Mokeme, Segilola Ogidan and Simileoluwa Hassan.
The Weekend, directed by Daniel Oriahi, is a thriller. The film takes place over a weekend as a family hosts their son and his fiancee but nothing goes as planned. The film stars include Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang, Meg Otanwa, and Gloria Anozie–Young.
Mai Martaba was Nigeria’s selection for the 2025 Oscars. Directed by Prince Aboki, the film is a historical drama exploring events surrounding a royal succession in northern Nigeria. Ghali Abdallah, Khadija Abdullahi Yahaya, and Yahaya Sabo Abubakar are among the film’s cast members.
