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Breaking Through: Nigeria Films at the Cannes Festival 2025

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The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival from May 13 to May 24, 2025 marks a historic turning point for Nigerian cinema. For the first time ever, Nigeria isn’t just participating at the prestigious global event; it’s staking a powerful claim on the world stage.

From a debut national pavilion to the official recognition of two groundbreaking films, Nigeria is rewriting the narrative of African storytelling at Cannes. This year’s festival features 22 films in the Official Selection, but what makes 2025 unforgettable for Nollywood isn’t just the numbers, it’s the quality, boldness, and cultural depth of the stories being told.

This is more than presence. It’s representation with purpose, and a moment that signals a new era for Nigerian film.

Here are the two Nigerian films making waves at Cannes 2025, each bringing a unique story and perspective to the global stage.

My Father’s Shadow

Director: Akinola Davies Jr.

Category: Cannes Official Selection

Premiere Date: May 18, 2025

My Father’s Shadow makes history as the first Nigerian feature film to be included in the Cannes Official Selection. Set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, the film follows two brothers navigating a politically tense Lagos with their estranged father.

With raw emotion, political insight, and masterful cinematography, this film represents a milestone for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

Osamede

Director: James Omokwe

Category: Cannes Film Market Screening

Screening Date: May 17, 2025

Rooted in African mythology and history, Osamede is a fantasy thriller set in the 1897 Benin Kingdom. It follows a young orphan girl who discovers her superhuman powers and sets out to protect her people against colonial threats. With its stunning visuals and mythical narrative, Osamede is a bold testament to Nollywood’s capacity for genre innovation and world-building.

Its screening at the Cannes Film Market puts the spotlight on Nigeria’s ability to compete at a global scale.

Conclusion

With the groundbreaking inclusion of My Father’s Shadow and the fantasy brilliance of Osamede, Cannes 2025 marks a monumental moment for Nollywood.

This is not just a breakthrough, it’s a blueprint for the next chapter of Nollywood: bold, visionary, and ready to take center stage. Which of these Nigerian films will you watch first? The historical and emotional layers of My Father’s Shadow? The magical, mythical adventure of Osamede? Let me know in the comments which one you’re most excited to see.

Read also: From Nominees to Reigning Stars 

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Cardi B Gives Birth to Baby No. 4, Her First With Boyfriend Stefon Diggs

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Cardi B is officially a mom of four! The “Bodak Yellow” rapper and boyfriend Stefon Diggs welcomed their first child on Thursday, according to an Instagram post. The 33-year-old star shared a video of herself modeling her post-baby physique in a black miniskirt and coat, writing that her life has always been “a combination of different chapters and different seasons.”

Starting over, she said, “is never easy but it’s been so worth it.” Cardi celebrated bringing “new music and a new album to the world,” along with “a new baby into my world, and one more reason to be the best version of me She added that this new chapter is “Me vs. Me,” noting she’s already prepping for her tour and ready to give fans “the performance of a lifetime.”

Photo credit: Instagram

TMZ confirmed she gave birth to a son “last week” after rumors circulated when footage surfaced of her sitting in a New Jersey gym. Cardi previously revealed in September on CBS Mornings that she and the NFL star were expecting, telling Gayle King she felt “excited,” “happy,” and in a “good space.”

Her rep later confirmed the birth to TODAY.com, sharing no further details. The news followed an Instagram post where Cardi reflected on entering a “new season” and the strength she’s found through motherhood.

This baby marks her first with Diggs and joins her three children with estranged husband Offset, daughter Kulture, 7, son Wave, 3, and daughter Blossom, born in 2024. Cardi filed for divorce from Offset for the second time in 2024. She previously shared that her newest addition would arrive before her 2026 “Little Miss Drama Tour” kicks off.

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Anok Yai Named Model of the Year 2025 at the Fashion Awards

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When the British Fashion Council announced Anok Yai as Model of the Year 2025 at the Fashion Awards, it wasn’t the usual kind of recognition, it reaffirmed that African representation continues to redefine global fashion.

For a South Sudanese woman who began her life journey as a biochemistry student to become the face of global fashion, this honor carries weight beyond the industry.

Anok Yai: Instagram

Her journey began when a street style photo of her went viral on Instagram at Howard University’s Homecoming. That moment shifted the course of her career.

By 2019, she made history as the second Black woman to open for Prada, after Naomi Campbell. Yai has walked for Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, and Fendi, appeared on the cover of Vogue France, and fronted campaigns for Versace and Saint Laurent, among other fashion houses.

Anok Yai: Instagram

The Model of the Year award recognizes more than visibility, it reflects influence and cultural resonance. She stated, “Being named Model of the Year is such an honour. My journey from Egypt to South Sudan to the U.S. is one of resilience and community. This recognition is for everyone who’s ever seen their story in mine.”

Early in her career, she said, “I want to show the world that Black girls can be beautiful,” and that drive continues to fuel her work. In an industry that often sidelines dark-skinned women, her visibility has changed the narrative.

Anok Yai: Instagram

Her story has inspired Africans to see that background doesn’t limit potential. She’s more than a model, she’s become a symbol of representation. This award shows us that the fashion industry is starting to value models who carry cultural meaning.

Anok Yai will receive her award on December 1st, a moment that cements her place as one of fashions most defining figures today.

Read also: Diadem okojie perfects polka dots 

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Tyla Makes VMA History in Vintage Chanel and Pandora Jewels

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The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards belonged to Tyla. With “Push 2 Start,” she became the first artist to win Best Afrobeats two years in a row, a moment that showed her rise from breakout star to one of Afrobeats’ leading names worldwide. Her win placed Afrobeats firmly on the global stage, with African stars now shaping the direction of pop culture.

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Tyla’s win carried the pride of the continent, but her presence on the red carpet made just as much noise. Styled by Ron Hartleben, she arrived in a 1993 vintage Chanel corset top, worn as a cream-and-black micro-mini dress. The look was balanced with fitted black shorts, a modern twist that allowed the outfit to move between daring and clean. Around her waist, gold chain echoing the layered necklaces and heavy medallions at her neckline.

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Her partnership with Pandora was on full display as she stacked bracelets, rings, and anklets, turning jewelry into a language of detail and weight. On her feet, she chose black Louboutin pumps, a classic contrast to the rest of the look.

The beauty direction was just as deliberate: a side-parted bob, natural-toned glam and a bold green manicure  gave the look a sharp twist, showing that Tyla knows how to finish off her fashion moments.

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It was a red-carpet appearance that felt from the past yet modern, drawing from fashion history while signaling the assurance of an artist who knows she’s making history herself. The award was one part of the night. The other was seeing Tyla step onto the carpet and stage with the same assurance— an artist shaping Afrobeats.

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