Nollywood’s global reach is expanding once again, with Nollywood in Hollywood unveiling the official film selection for its 7th annual showcase in Los Angeles, scheduled for March 6–7, 2026. The announcement highlights the creative diversity of contemporary Nigerian cinema and positions selected films alongside discussions and cultural exchange opportunities for filmmakers and audiences alike.
The event, which has become a notable platform for promoting Nigerian cinematic excellence in the heart of the U.S. film industry, will take place at two historic venues: the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and the Norris Cinema Theatre at the University of Southern California (USC). Screenings will be followed by conversations with directors, actors, and creative teams, offering insight into the storytelling and production journeys behind the films.
A Selected Lineup That Reflects Nollywood’s Range
This year’s official selection features three films that span romance, contemporary drama, and historical storytelling, each chosen for its artistic ambition, cultural resonance, and narrative depth. The titles are:
- Stitches: A romantic drama directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso in her first Nollywood collaboration. The story follows a talented fashion designer whose rise into elite society becomes complicated by love and deep-buried secrets.
- When Nigeria Happens: Directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, this film blends dramatic storytelling with contemporary dance to explore themes of love, ambition, and survival among Lagos-based dancers, highlighting the interplay between art and societal expectation.
- To Adaego With Love: A historical romance directed by Nwamaka Chikezie, set in post-conflict Nigeria. The narrative centres on a forbidden relationship between a Northern soldier and an Igbo teacher, examining reconciliation, identity, and resilience in a divided society.
Together, these selections illustrate the creative breadth and evolving voice of Nollywood, showcasing how African stories can be both culturally specific and globally resonant.
A Milestone for My Father’s Shadow and Nigerian Cinema
The film selection was unveiled during a preview screening of My Father’s Shadow at the Norris Theatre, co-presented by Nollywood in Hollywood. That film made history as the first Nigerian title officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection, earning acclaim on the global stage and later being submitted by the United Kingdom for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
While My Father’s Shadow itself is not part of the showcase screenings this year, its legacy and international recognition helped set the stage for this expanded lineup and underscores Nollywood’s growing impact beyond African markets.
More Than Screenings: Conversations and Cultural Exchange
Beyond the films themselves, the Nollywood in Hollywood showcase offers post-screening conversations with filmmakers, enabling audiences and industry professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue about creative process, cultural context, and the challenges and opportunities of filmmaking today.
Organized by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, the initiative strives to foster cultural exchange and collaboration between Nollywood creatives and Hollywood industry stakeholders. The showcase is presented in partnership with institutions like the American Cinematheque, the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and O2A Media, further strengthening bridges between Nigerian cinema and global audiences.
These partnerships also support networking opportunities for directors, producers, and actors, and help promote Nollywood films to distributors, critics, and cinema programmers in the United States and beyond.
What This Means for Nollywood’s Global Footprint
This year’s Nollywood in Hollywood selection reflects the broader evolution of Nigerian cinema from a prolific domestic industry to a globally recognised creative force. With films that tackle themes of identity, ambition, love, and history, the showcase celebrates storytelling that is both distinctly African and globally relevant.
Industry observers say that platforms like Nollywood in Hollywood, particularly those that facilitate cross-cultural dialogue and visibility in major global markets, are critical stepping stones for filmmakers looking to expand beyond regional success. They also provide valuable context for international audiences about the depth and diversity of African storytelling.
As Nollywood continues to flourish on the world stage, initiatives like this not only highlight current achievements but help shape future opportunities for collaboration, distribution, and global celebration of African cinema.
Which of the selected films are you most excited to see at the Nollywood in Hollywood 2026 showcase, Stitches, When Nigeria Happens, or To Adaego With Love? Share your thoughts and tell us which stories you think will resonate internationally!