In an emotionally charged evening at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State, Osamede, a Nigerian superhero‑historical film was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience.
A Night of Cultural Homecoming
The premiere, backed by Dr. Munirat Lecky (Senior Special Assistant to the Edo Governor on Tourism and the Creative Economy), attracted an audience of cultural custodians, government figures, film industry stakeholders, and representatives from the very communities where the movie was shot (notably Fugar and Ososo).
As the credits rolled, viewers rose to their feet, many visibly moved by seeing their language, traditions, and legend portrayed on screen.
Filmmakers Reflect on the Significance
Executive Producer Lilian Olubi, who hails from Edo State, said the evening validated the vision behind the film:
“Bringing Osamede home to Benin City was always the dream … People cheered. They saw themselves as heroes for the first time. That’s what happens when you tell your own story in your own language.”
Director James Omokwe described the film’s impact as more than entertainment:
“The applause tonight wasn’t just for a film … It was for recognition. For validation. The people of Edo State have been waiting to see their history treated with the respect it deserves.”
He also noted that he worked with Benin cultural historians to ensure the film remained faithful to the Kingdom’s heritage.
Performances and Reaction
Lead actress Ivie Okujaye Egboh, who plays Osamede, characterized the screening as the most meaningful in her career:
“Playing a Benin warrior in the actual kingdom, surrounded by descendants of those warriors … I felt the weight of every scene. When the audience stood and applauded, I knew we’d honored their ancestors.”
William Benson, who plays Iyase (the antagonist), said the response surpassed expectations:
“You could feel the pride in the room. Beyond entertainment, this was about people seeing their power reflected back at them. That’s rare. That’s special.”
Historical Context, Plot & Production
The film is set during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom, and tells the tale of an orphaned girl, Osamede, who discovers she wields mystical powers connected to the sacred Aruosa stone, a symbolic relic in Benin mythology purportedly gifted by Osanobua.
Scenes were filmed on location in places such as Ossiomo (Akoko‑Edo LGA) and Fugar (Etsako East LGA), with community involvement in production via employment, vendors, and extras. (
The story was adapted from a stage production previously staged by Olubi’s Gold Lilies Productions (performed 12 times to sold-out audiences)
James Omokwe (director) is an AMVCA-winning filmmaker known for prior works like Ajoche and Itura.
Lilian Olubi serves as executive producer under the Gold Lilies Global banner.
The film also received an international spotlight: it premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Market (Pavillon Afriques) on May 17. It has since been selected for screening at festivals like the Silicon Valley African Film Festival in the U.S.
Release & Distribution
Osamede is slated to hit Nigerian cinemas on October 17, 2025.
Internationally, its UK release is scheduled for October 31, and in North America for November 7. The Lagos premiere was scheduled for October 12, ahead of nationwide release.
Distribution is handled by Nile Entertainment Group.
