Every Year, Nollywood in Hollywood curates films that reflects diversity and artistic ambition of Nigerian cinema. In Los Angeles, CA, on Feb 3rd, 2026, Nollywood in Hollywood unveiled its selection of three Films for the seventh Edition of its film showcase.
Past editions featured works of leading filmmakers, including films selected by the Official Selection Committee as Nigerian submissions for the Academy Awards’ best international film category. The film selection was unveiled at the special preview screening of “My Father’s Shadow” in Los Angeles, co-presented by Nollywood in Hollywood, the film was united kingdom’s official submission for the best international films category at the 98th Academy Awards, symbolising Nigerian’s presence on the world cinema stage.
The selected 2026 lineup features “Stitches“, “When Nigeria Happens“, and “To Adaego with Love,” which spans modern romance, contemporary dance drama, and historical storytelling. Together, these movies reflect the cultural depth, contemporary pulse, and historical depth of Nollywood storytelling. Every Screening will be accompanied by a conversation with the filmmakers, Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Ema Edosio-Deelen, and Nwamaka Chikezie.
The 2026 Nollywood in Hollywood Showcase will unfold over two days. It will begin on Friday, March 6th, 2026, at the Aero Theatre, Santa Monica, California, with the opening film “Stitches“. Directed by the acclaimed Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso. A modern romantic movie that tells the story of a talented fashion designer whose modest beginnings in Lagos high society are complicated by love, ambition, and family secrets.
The second will be the matinee screening of “When Nigeria Happens“, directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, on March 7th, 2026, at Norris Cinema Theatre, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. The film explores the challenges of pursuing artistic dreams in the complex city of Lagos. The film blends drama and interpretative dance to capture the resilience and emotional struggles of Nigerian youth.
The 2026 edition concludes on Saturday evening in the same cinema, closing the Showcase is “To Adaego with Love“, a historical romance set in 1975, directed by Nwamaka Chikezie. The film explores forbidden love between Adaego, an Igbo schoolteacher, and a Northern soldier, examining the themes of reconciliation, identity, and resilience. Nollywood in Hollywood, founded in 2018 by Nigerian American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, has promoted Nigerian cinema through cultural exchange and international collaboration. presented in collaboration with American Cinematheque, the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and O2A Media.
The Showcase convenes filmmakers, industry professionals, and audience for screenings, discussion, and networking. The 2026 seventh Showcase edition is another year to celebrate growth, convene, and network.
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