Gold Lilies Productions’ upcoming historical epic Osamede arrives in Nigerian cinemas on October 17, 2025. Directed by James Omokwe, the film brings the legendary Benin Kingdom to the big screen with a heroine (played by Ivie Okujaye) at its centre. Here are ten things you should know before watching.
1. It’s James Omokwe’s Second Major Film
Though best known as the showrunner behind TV epics (Ajoche, Riona, Itura and Cheta’M) for MultiChoice, Omokwe hasn’t officially released a feature since his 2013 debut The Awakening. He calls Osamede his “career-defining project,” crafted to bring his small-screen mastery of storytelling to cinemas.
2. Inspired by a Stage Play
The story began life as a stage production directed by Ayo Ajayi at the Muson Centre in Lagos in 2021-2022. Producer Lilian Olubi believed it belonged on the big screen and brought Omokwe on board, who reworked it with writer Lolo Eremie (Tarella) into a female-driven hero’s journey.
3. Ivie Okujaye Egboh Leads as a Superpowered Heroine
The actress, remembered for her AMBO win, plays Osamede, a fiery orphan who discovers her powers are tied to the sacred Aruosa stone. For Okujaye, it was a dream come true: she had long wanted to play a superhero, and the role arrived after she had three children.
4. An Authentic Edo Epic
Dialogue is primarily in the Benin language, with actors coached by cultural consultant Osagie Elegbe. Many cast members, including Ivie and Tosin Adeyemi, spoke to the press about rediscovering their roots while learning Edo on set.
5. Filmed in Edo Villages Built from Scratch
Production took place entirely in Edo State, in the villages of Fugar and Ososo. Traditional leaders provided land where sets were built from the ground up in a single month. The film was then shot in just 14 days, with over 100 cast and crew working under tight security.
6. A Budget Over ₦300 Million
The budget of Osamede sits at over ₦300 million. Every detail, from costume designer Juliana Dede’s regal wardrobe to Uche Nwaohiri’s production design, was designed to immerse viewers in 1897 Benin.
7. Powerhouse Cast and Cameos
The ensemble includes Lexan Aisosa Peters as Nosa, William Benson as the power-hungry Iyase, Tosin Adeyemi as Adaze, Etinosa Idemudia, Paul Obazele, and Nollywood veteran Lancelot Imasuen as Aigbande. Fun fact: Lexan was originally cast in a one-scene role before being “divinely” promoted to the major role of Nosa.
8. Soundtrack and Score
Music by Chubb Cleff showcases the film’s spiritual and historical roots. Expect percussion-rich themes and vocal layers that echo both ritual and battle, heightening the film’s atmosphere of mysticism. A soundtrack album is expected to be released in November.
9. A Story More Than War
While set during the infamous 1897 invasion of Benin, the film isn’t only about conquest. Omokwe wanted to highlight identity and resilience. He frames it as a hero’s journey, asking audiences a deeper question: how would you use your own gifts to change society?
10. Set to Screen Abroad
Before its Nigerian release, Osamede has already been selected for the Silicon Valley African Film Festival in California this October. Early screenings at Cannes film market in May drew emotional responses from diaspora viewers, according to the director, a particular audience member in tears at seeing Edo traditions portrayed by Africans themselves. An international cinema release is also expected to follow.
Osamede, distributed by Nile Entertainment, is in cinemas from October 17.
Ticket pre-sale ahead of the cinema release is now available.
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