Executive Producer, Osamede, Lilian Olubi, has revealed that the project started with a vision she received during a time of prayer in early 2019, following a tumultuous 2018.

The team behind the Nigerian historical fantasy film Osamede shared the unusual story of how their project came to life during a panel at the recent Cannes Film Festival.

What began as a spiritual experience akin to a localised version of the biblical tale of Esther gradually evolved into a universal story with global resonance.

The story first took shape as a stage play in 2021, selling out 12 performances before Olubi decided to adapt it for film.

She would approach Omokwe, who initially hesitated but became drawn to the story’s focus on a female hero who discovers her power.

Osamede tells the story of an orphaned girl who discovers superhuman powers during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Empire. Set against the historical backdrop of colonial resistance, the film combines historical mythology with fantasy storytelling.

“It was a burden. It needed the right person,” Olubi said about finding director James Omokwe to bring the vision to the screen.

The production moved quickly once filming began. A three-day script retreat shaped the final narrative, and shooting wrapped in under a year.

“She frees the shackles of slavery not through outside help, but by discovering her strength,” Omokwe explained at Cannes during the screening of the film.

Omokwe made specific technical decisions to support the story. He used only three static shots in the entire film, with camera movement designed to mirror the protagonist’s internal journey.

The commitment to authenticity extended to language. Four of the lead actors learned to speak Benin despite not being native speakers of the language. The production hired a cultural coach to ensure accuracy.

Actor Tosin Adeyemi, who has Edo heritage, said the experience connected her to her roots.

“Most of us had to learn Bini. It was hard, but it was beautiful. I’m proud to say I represented my culture.”

Screening audiences responded positively to the film’s cultural authenticity. African American viewers, in particular, connected with the story’s exploration of ancestral heritage and identity, with many expressing how the film helped them understand their historical roots.

The positive reception reinforced the team’s belief that authentic African stories have universal appeal when told with care and cultural respect.

For Olubi and Omokwe, the Cannes screening represents validation of their approach to telling African stories with global production values while maintaining cultural authenticity.