Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, has achieved a significant milestone by earning a place in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival’s arthouse film category, marking a breakthrough for African cinema on the global stage. This recognition highlights the growing influence and artistic evolution of Nigerian filmmakers, who have long been celebrated for their prolific output and cultural storytelling.
The film, The Burial of Kojo, directed by Ghanaian-Nigerian filmmaker Blitz Bazawule, was selected for screening at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section, a category dedicated to innovative and non-traditional cinematic works. Although the film is a Ghanaian-Nigerian co-production, its inclusion is a triumph for Nollywood, given the significant involvement of Nigerian talent and resources.
The movie, which blends magical realism with poignant social commentary, tells the story of a young girl’s spiritual journey to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance in a rural Ghanaian village. Its visually stunning cinematography and narrative depth have been praised for pushing the boundaries of African storytelling.
This selection comes after years of Nollywood’s dominance in Africa’s entertainment industry, producing thousands of films annually, often on modest budgets. Historically known for commercially driven narratives, Nollywood has increasingly embraced arthouse cinema, with filmmakers exploring complex themes such as identity, migration, and social justice.
The Cannes nod underscores this shift, positioning Nigerian cinema alongside global arthouse heavyweights. Industry experts view this as a pivotal moment, likely to attract international funding and distribution opportunities for Nollywood projects. The film’s team expressed pride in representing African stories at Cannes, emphasizing the importance of authentic narratives that resonate universally.