Osamede

Osamede
Directed by	James Omokwe
Written by	Lolo Eremie
Based on	Osamede: For Kingdom and Country (musical play) Paul Ugbede Tosin Otudeko
Produced by	Lilian Olubi
Starring	Okujaye Egboh Lexan Aisosa Peters William Benson Tosin Adeyemi Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen Alexander Bud
Cinematography	Charles Oleghe
Edited by	Winston Aig-Ohioma
Music by	Chubb Okobah
Production company	Gold Lilies Global Services
Release date	17 May 2025 (2025-05-17) (Cannes)
Running time	115 minutes[1]
Country	Nigeria
Language	Edo
Budget	₦300 Million

Osamede is a 2025 Nigerian epic historical drama film, produced by Lilian Olubi and directed by James Omokwe, who is known for the television series Ajoche and Riona.^[2][3] It stars Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Alexander Bud.^[4] The film is set during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom by the British Empire and was adapted from the musical play Osamede: for Kingdom and Country.

Synopsis

A young orphan girl, Osamede, learns she has superpowers as the chosen protector of the Aruosa stone, an object revered, as it is said to be blessed by Osanobua, the Benin deity of creation. The Aruosa stone makes her the only one who can resist the British invaders and invoke the power hidden deep within her people's past.^[5]

Selected cast

• Ivie Okujaye Egboh as Osamede
• Lexan Aisosa Peters
• William Benson
• Tosin Adeyemi
• Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen
• Alexander Bud

Production

Osamde was first conceived as a stage production by producer Lilian Olubi and directed by Ayo Ajayi, with performances held during the 2021-2022 season at the Muson Centre in Lagos. Recognizing the story's cinematic appeal, Olubi later brought on board director James Omokwe and writer Lolo Eremie onto the project for its screen adaption. The film is primarily in the indigenous Edo language—only 10% of the dialogue is in English, according to Egboh. Principal photography took place over 14 days in Edo State, in the villages of Fugar and Ososo, with all sets built entirely from scratch in close consultation with Benin historians. The cost of production was approximately ₦300 Million. ^{[6] [7][8]}

Release date

Osamede premiered on 17 May 2025 at the Cannes Film Market, Pavillon Afriques ^[9] joining Akinola Davies Jr.'s My Father's Shadow, the first Nigerian film to be included in the official selection at Cannes.^[10][3] Its Nigerian premiere took place on October 17.

Accolades

In October 2025 it took home Best Narrative Feature Film at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival.^[11]

References

1. "Osamede (15)". British Board of Film Classification. 24 November 2025. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
2. Amos (2025-04-23). "Nigerian historical epic Osamede set for Cannes Film Market". The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
3. Eze, Chinalurumogu (2025-05-02). "Nigerian Fantasy Epic "Osamede" To Premiere At Cannes In 2025". West Africa Weekly. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
4. Agbo, Emmanuel (2025-04-24). "Nigerian historical epic "Osamede" to premiere at Cannes Film Market". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
5. Partner (2025-04-28). ""OSAMEDE" Is the Epic Benin Fantasy Film Premiering at Cannes This Year". Zikoko!. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
6. Udugba, Anthony (2025-08-02). "How Nollywood brings Benin mythology to life in 'Osamede'". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
7. "'Osamede' Review: Ivie Okujaye's Magic is Dimmed in Dulled-Down Epic - What Kept Me Up". whatkeptmeup.com. 2025-10-29. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
8. 3bkeditor (2022-05-08). "OSAMEDE: a Worthy Model for Nonviolent Struggles". Retrieved 2025-11-03.
9. "Osamede - 7:00 PM, Saturday, May 17, 2025 | HOME". Pavillon Afriques. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
10. "'Osamede' to Premiere at Cannes Film Market". thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
11. Bolawa, Pelumi (2025-11-03). "'Osamede' wins 'Best Narrative Feature' at Silicon Valley African film festival". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2025-11-03.