By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The 2025 Nollywood in Hollywood showcase, which concluded on March 1, 2025, left a significant mark on the global film industry. Held at the Egyptian Theater and USC’s Norris Cinema Theatre in Hollywood, the event featured top Nigerian films such as The Man Died, Mai Martaba, and The Weekend.
The showcase began with the screening of The Man Died, directed by Awam Amkpa, based on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s memoir about his unjust imprisonment.
After the screening, a Q&A panel with actor Abraham Amkpa was moderated by USC Professor Bayo Akinfemi. Day two featured Mai Martaba, a historical epic directed by Prince Daniel, which explores themes of love and power.
The film, Nigeria’s official Oscar entry for 2025, was followed by a Q&A moderated by USC’s Alessandro Ago. The closing screening was The Weekend, a thrilling drama by Daniel Oriahi, with a Q&A session moderated by filmmaker Akin Omotosho.
Founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood has become a platform for showcasing Nigerian cinema globally.
As program manager Unoma Ononye shared, “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 connected Nigerian filmmakers with Hollywood industry professionals, fostering collaborations and increasing Nollywood’s influence. This year’s showcase further solidified Nollywood’s presence in Hollywood, paving the way for future opportunities and greater global recognition of Nigerian films.Attach
