Three outstanding Nigerian films have earned a spot in the 2025 edition of Nollywood in Hollywood. The event will take place on February 28 and March 1 in Hollywood, California. Audiences will watch the selected films—The Man Died, The Weekend, and Mai Martaba—at two prestigious venues: the Egyptian Theatre and the Norris Theatre at the University of Southern California (USC).

These films highlight the diversity and depth of Nigerian storytelling, showcasing Nollywood’s growing global influence.

Nigerian American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan launched Nollywood in Hollywood in 2018. Through his company, O2A Media Corp., he partnered with the American Cinematheque and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts to create this annual event. The showcase promotes Nigerian cinema to Hollywood, the Nigerian diaspora, and a global audience. Over the years, it has featured top Nollywood filmmakers like Kunle Afolayan, Genevieve Nnaji, and Ramsey Nouah. Notably, films such as Lionheart, King of Boys, and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free have been screened.

Beyond screenings, the event offers networking, training, and industry discussions. As a result, these activities connect Nigerian filmmakers with Hollywood professionals, strengthening Nollywood’s global presence.

This year’s lineup includes The Man Died, directed by Awam Akpa. The film adapts Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir. It chronicles Soyinka’s 27-month imprisonment without trial during the Nigerian Civil War. Additionally, the story explores his solitary confinement and the psychological challenges he faced under a brutal military regime. Ultimately, it is a powerful reflection on resilience and Nigeria’s political history.

Another selected film is The Weekend, directed by Daniel Oriahi. This gripping thriller follows Nikiya, an orphan seeking family connections. She insists on meeting her fiancé Luke’s estranged family, only to uncover unsettling truths. Moreover, the film’s unpredictable twists and riveting conclusion have earned it critical acclaim. It premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June 2024 and later hit Nigerian cinemas in August 2024.

Mai Martaba, meaning “Your Highness,” is a historical epic directed by Prince Daniel. Set in an ancient African kingdom, the film explores themes of love, greed, betrayal, and power. Critics have praised it for its rich portrayal of cultural heritage and its contribution to the historical epic genre in Nigerian cinema. Furthermore, Mai Martaba is Nigeria’s official entry for the International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars.

Unoma Ononye, the event’s programme manager, describes the 2025 showcase as one of the most remarkable yet. She highlights the event’s timing, which precedes the Oscars, offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience Nigerian cinema before Hollywood’s biggest night. With its carefully curated selection of films and commitment to fostering international collaborations, Nollywood in Hollywood continues to bridge the gap between Nollywood and Hollywood. Consequently, it elevates Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.