The 2025 Nollywood in Hollywood showcase wrapped up on March 1, leaving an indelible mark on the global film industry. Held at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Norris Cinema Theatre at the University of Southern California (USC), the event celebrated the finest in Nigerian cinema, featuring screenings of The Man Died, Mai Martaba, and The Weekend.
The festivities began on February 28 with a red carpet premiere of The Man Died at American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre. Directed by Awam Amkpa and based on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s searing prison memoir, the film captures the harrowing experience of Soyinka’s unjust imprisonment by a brutal military regime. A thought-provoking Q&A session followed, moderated by USC professor and actor Bayo Akinfemi (Bob Hearts Abishola), with actor Abraham Amkpa representing the film.
Day Two shifted to USC’s Norris Cinema Theatre, opening with Mai Martaba, a sweeping historical epic by director Prince Daniel. Set in an ancient African kingdom, the film delves into themes of love, greed, and power while showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. As the country’s official submission for the 2025 Oscars, Mai Martaba has garnered critical acclaim. USC’s Executive Director of Film Programming, Alessandro Ago, led a post-screening discussion with the filmmaker.
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The event concluded with The Weekend, a gripping thriller from director Daniel Oriahi. The film follows Nikiya, an orphan in search of family connections, who urges her fiancé Luke to reconcile with his estranged relatives—only for long-buried secrets to surface, leading to shocking revelations. Having premiered at the Tribeca Festival, the film captivated audiences once again. A Q&A session with lead actress Uzoamaka Aniunoh, moderated by filmmaker Akin Omotosho (Rise, The Ghost and the House of Truth), closed out the night.
Since its founding in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood has served as a cultural bridge, bringing the vibrancy of Nigerian storytelling to an international audience. Through collaborations with American Cinematheque and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, the showcase has consistently highlighted the artistic excellence and global influence of Nollywood.
Program manager Unoma Ononye reflected on this year’s success, stating, “This has been one of our best showcases yet! The energy, the enthusiasm, and the reception from Hollywood and beyond reaffirm the growing importance of Nollywood on the global stage.”
The event drew industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and key Hollywood figures, fostering meaningful discussions and networking opportunities. Over the years, Nollywood in Hollywood has helped Nigerian filmmakers connect with major Hollywood agencies, management firms, casting directors, networks, and studios.
As the curtains close on this year’s edition, the impact of Nollywood in Hollywood continues to grow, paving the way for future collaborations and a deeper appreciation of Nigerian storytelling on the world stage.
