On July 1, 2026, the political thriller 77: The Festac Conspiracy premiered to a sold-out audience at the International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
The premiere served as the headline event of the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026, an influential platform showcasing creative industries across the continent.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Izu Ojukwu, the film is a sequel to the award-winning 76. Starring renowned actors Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah, this new instalment continues to explore the political narratives that shape Africa’s cultural identity, this time examining the legacy of the historic FESTAC ’77 arts festival.
FESTAC, or the Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in Nigeria in 1977. It was a major event that celebrated African arts and culture, bringing together artists and performers from across Africa and the diaspora.
Building on the tension of ’76, the sequel plunges an aggrieved ex-serviceman into a dangerous Pan-African plot to disrupt the continent’s political balance right as FESTAC ’77 takes to the global stage.
Left to Right: Director Izu Ojukwu, Producer Adonijah Owiriwa, Nollywood star Ramsey Nouah and Executive Producer Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill.
During her post-screening address, Rita Dominic remarked on the significance of the event: “To see the explosive warmth and energy from our Zambian family tonight proves that African stories know no borders. This premiere wasn’t just about a movie; it was a celebration of our shared history, our shared culture, and the booming future of African cinema.”
Actors Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic share a moment at the premiere of the film 77: The Festac Conspiracy in Lusaka, Zambia.
Echoing Dominic’s sentiments, Executive Producer Prince Tonye Princewill articulated the film’s cultural importance, saying: “With 77: The Festac Conspiracy, we are going deeper into history, but with even more cinematic power. This film is a cultural reckoning and a global statement about where African cinema is headed.”
As the film gears up for its Homecoming Premiere in Lagos, the city that played a pivotal role in the original FESTAC, anticipation builds for a wider theatrical release both across Africa and globally.
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