The feature film adaptation of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir, The Man Died, is making waves on the international festival circuit. The film, which offers a poignant glimpse into Soyinka’s 27-month incarceration during Nigeria’s civil war, is garnering critical acclaim and captivating audiences across the globe.
Produced by Lagos-based Femi Odugbemi for Zuri 24 Media and directed by Abu Dhabi-based Professor Awam Amkpa, The Man Died brings to life Soyinka’s harrowing experiences and introspective journey during his imprisonment. The screenplay, penned by UK-based writer Bode Asiyanbi, masterfully translates the Nobel laureate’s powerful prose to the screen, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative.
The film’s journey began with a special premiere screening at the Alliance Francaise in Lagos on July 12, symbolically marking Soyinka’s 90th birthday. Since then, it has been making its rounds at prestigious festivals and cultural institutions worldwide. Notable screenings include a successful showing at the Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) in Lagos and a well-received presentation at the Africa Centre in London.
The Man Died is set to grace the screens of several high-profile events in the coming months in continuation of its global tour. The film will be featured at the Accra Streamfest in Ghana on October 11, where director Awam Amkpa will serve as the keynote speaker. Following this, it will make its way to the Film Africa Festival in London on October 27, further cementing its place in the international film community.
The festival circuit doesn’t end there. The Man Died is slated to open the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF) in Enugu on November 27 and will also be screened at the prestigious African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos in early November. These appearances underscore the film’s significance in both Nigerian and pan-African cinema.
Beyond the festival circuit, The Man Died is generating buzz in academic circles. The film is being considered for special screenings at esteemed educational institutions worldwide, including New York University, Harvard University, Oxford University and Ithaca College. Additionally, universities in Florence, Italy, Abu Dhabi, UAE and Johannesburg, South Africa are expressing interest in hosting screenings, highlighting the film’s educational and cultural value.
The global appeal of The Man Died is further evidenced by its consideration for major international film festivals such as the Berlinale in Germany, Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia, and FESPACO in Burkina Faso. This widespread interest speaks to the universal themes explored in Soyinka’s memoir and the film’s artistic merit.
Femi Odugbemi, the film’s producer and CEO of Zuri24 Media, expressed his excitement about the project’s reception. “We’re thrilled to see The Man Died resonating with audiences around the world,” Odugbemi stated. “Soyinka’s story is not just a Nigerian story, but a human story of resilience and the power of the mind. We hope this film will introduce new generations to his important work.”
The film boasts a star-studded cast featuring some of Nigeria’s most renowned actors, with Wale Ojo delivering a powerful performance as Wole Soyinka. The combination of top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera has resulted in a production that is both visually stunning and emotionally impactful.
The Man Died continues its festival run with industry insiders speculating about its potential for wider distribution. Several major streaming platforms and international distribution channels are reportedly reviewing the film, hinting at the possibility of a broader release in the future.
The success of The Man Died on the festival circuit is not just a triumph for its creators, but also a significant moment for Nigerian and African cinema as a whole. By bringing Soyinka’s powerful memoir to the screen, the film is helping to showcase the depth and quality of storytelling coming out of the continent.
Audiences around the world will have the opportunity to engage with this important piece of literature in a new medium. The Man Died stands as a testament to the enduring power of Soyinka’s words and the universal themes of human resilience in the face of adversity.
