The 2025 Nollywood in Hollywood showcase wrapped up on March 1, leaving an unforgettable imprint on the international film scene. Hosted at the iconic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Norris Cinema Theatre at the University of Southern California (USC), the event spotlighted Nigerian cinema’s growing influence with screenings of The Man Died, Mai Martaba, and The Weekend.
Festivities began on February 28 with the red carpet premiere of The Man Died at the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre. Directed by Awam Amkpa, the gripping adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir explores his harrowing detention under a brutal military regime. The screening was followed by a Q&A moderated by USC professor and actor Bayo Akinfemi, with actor Abraham Amkpa representing the film.
Day Two at USC’s Norris Cinema Theatre featured Nigeria’s 2025 Oscars entry, Mai Martaba, a historical epic by Prince Daniel that delves into love, greed, and power in an ancient African kingdom. The film, widely praised for its cinematography and cultural depth, was followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, moderated by USC’s Executive Director of Film Programming, Alessandro Ago.
The showcase concluded with the screening of Daniel Oriahi’s The Weekend, a psychological thriller that first premiered at Tribeca Festival. The film’s gripping storyline—centered on a woman’s desperate search for family connections that unearth dark secrets—left audiences spellbound. The post-screening discussion featured lead actress Uzoamaka Aniunoh, moderated by acclaimed filmmaker Akin Omotosho (Rise, The Ghost and the House of Truth).
Founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood has consistently elevated Nigerian storytelling, bridging the gap between Nollywood and Hollywood’s film industries. Collaborating with American Cinematheque and the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the annual event has opened doors for Nigerian filmmakers to connect with top Hollywood agencies, networks, and casting firms.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Program Manager Unoma Ononye declared, “This has been one of our best showcases yet! The energy, enthusiasm, and reception from Hollywood reaffirm Nollywood’s growing importance on the global stage.”
With industry professionals, Hollywood executives, and film enthusiasts in attendance, Nollywood in Hollywood 2025 has further cemented Nigeria’s place on the world cinema map, paving the way for bigger collaborations and international opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers.
