Nollywood in Hollywood 2026 concludes with screenings, red carpet events, and a spotlight on women-led films celebrating Nigerian cinema globally
The seventh annual Nollywood in Hollywood film showcase concluded on Saturday, 9 March 2026, after two days of screenings, red carpet events, and audience discussions highlighting the global influence of Nigerian cinema.
Founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, the event promotes cross-cultural collaboration and celebrates Nigerian storytelling on an international stage.
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This year’s showcase, presented in partnership with the American Cinematheque, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and O2A Media, focused on films directed by women in observance of Women’s History Month.
The event opened at the historic Aero Theatre with a red-carpet premiere of Stitches, directed by British-Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso.
Actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, who starred in the film, attended the premiere and participated in a post-screening conversation moderated by actor and producer Jimmy Jean-Louis. “This is awesome. This is a dream coming true in real time,” Akande said.
“I attended the very first Nollywood in Hollywood in 2018 with my film Isoken. Now in 2026, I’m back with Stitches, and it feels incredible.”
The event drew a diverse audience, including Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr., Pan African Film & Arts Festival founder Ayuko Babu, and Nigerian-American community leader Richard Omordia.
Councilmember Price described the showcase as a platform for cultural connection, commending its role in bridging the diaspora and celebrating African storytelling.
On Saturday, screenings of When Nigeria Happens, directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, and To Adaego With Love, directed by Nwamaka Chikezie, were followed by audience discussions.
Organisers stated that the 2026 edition reinforced their mission to amplify African narratives and strengthen creative partnerships between Nollywood and Hollywood.
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Nollywood in Hollywood operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation, dedicated to promoting Nigerian cinema worldwide through curated screenings, networking opportunities, and cross-cultural exchange, fostering recognition and collaboration for filmmakers and the global diaspora.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
