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Nigerian fantasy film Osamede has won the prestigious Best Narrative Feature award at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), further cementing its reputation as a landmark project in African storytelling.
The film, inspired by the cultural and historical depth of the ancient Benin Kingdom, captivated both audiences and critics with its unique blend of myth, history, and fantasy.
Directed by James Omokwe and written by Lolo Eremie, Osamede is set around the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.
It tells the story of a young woman who discovers her ancestral powers, using that spiritual awakening to navigate the cultural and political upheaval of her time.
The film stands out for grounding its fantasy world in authentic African history and governance systems rather than adopting Western fantasy templates.
“We built our fantasy world on the foundation of real cultural power,” Eremie said. “The Benin Kingdom’s bronze workers, governance systems, and spiritual practices are as compelling as any mythology. Our history gives us everything we need to create epic narratives.”
The SVAFF, held annually at the Historic Hoover Theatre in San Jose, California, celebrates African and diaspora filmmaking under the theme ‘Africa through the African lens.’
Osamede was selected from dozens of entries for its bold storytelling and cultural authenticity. The festival recognized it as a film that not only entertains but also redefines what African fantasy can look like on the global stage.
Director James Omokwe highlighted that authenticity was central to the project. “We weren’t layering African elements onto a generic fantasy template,” he said.
“From the first draft to the final frame, the Benin Kingdom’s actual power structures, spiritual systems, and artistic traditions became our blueprint. Audiences can feel the difference between borrowed aesthetics and lived cultural knowledge.”
The production team took extensive measures to ensure historical accuracy and respect for Benin’s traditions. Production designer Uchechukwu Nwaohiri recreated the Kingdom’s iconic architecture and royal settings, combining them with imaginative elements that gave the film an epic feel.
Historians from Edo State were consulted throughout development, helping to maintain the delicate balance between creative liberty and cultural integrity.
Executive Producer Lilian Olubi noted that the project’s success shows that African history can be the foundation for commercially viable fantasy storytelling.
“We trusted that our cultural roots could sustain epic narratives,” she said. “This award proves the diaspora has been waiting for African fantasy that feels authentically rooted, not borrowed.”
Shot on location in Fugar and Ososo, Edo State, the film stars Ivie Okujaye Egboh, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lexan Peters, and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. The movie has continued its successful run in Nigerian cinemas after receiving standing ovations at premieres in Benin City and Lagos.
Following its selection at the Cannes Film Market in May 2025, Osamede has now been invited to the Films from the South Festival in Oslo, Norway, from November 6–16, 2025.
The SVAFF recognition positions Osamede as a defining work in the emerging movement of African filmmakers creating fantasy worlds inspired by indigenous cultures. As Omokwe put it, “The future of African cinema lies in stories that trust their own history because our culture is already epic.”
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