The Story⚡
Osamede, an epic film set in the ancient Benin Kingdom, directed by renowned filmmaker James Omokwe and produced by esteemed executive producer Lilian Olubi, is set to transport audiences to a world of power struggles, ancient traditions and the supernatural. This film tells the story of Osamede, a young orphaned girl who must embrace her destiny and become the hero that the Benin Kingdom desperately needs during its most trying times.
Set against the backdrop of the colonized Benin Kingdom, Osamede explores themes of resilience, power, and identity. It intertwines history and fantasy to tell the story of a young woman who rises above her circumstances to reclaim her heritage, shaping the future of her people. The narrative is brought to life through Lilian Olubi’s executive production and James Omokwe’s directorial prowess, merging their combined vision to create a film that champions African storytelling on a global scale.
Lilian Olubi, the Executive Producer of Osamede, is committed to fostering the growth of the Nigerian film industry, especially by creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers. She shared her passion for merging finance and filmmaking in the creation of this ambitious project:
“My goal is not only to produce impactful films but also to empower other filmmakers by leveraging my finance background, network, and expertise. Through the Gold Lilies entity, I aim to connect filmmakers with investors, help structure their offerings, and offer strategic advisory services and hands-on project management, ensuring that creative visions align with investor expectations and market opportunities.
This next phase marks the convergence of my career’s two passions, finance and film, and I am excited about the economic imperative and to contribute to the growth of both industries by fostering meaningful collaborations.”
James Omokwe, the director of Osamede is no stranger to historical storytelling, having built a career on portraying powerful narratives deeply rooted in African history. Omokwe is particularly passionate about preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Empire:
“The Benin Empire’s rich history and culture were nearly obliterated by the 1897 invasion, with its treasures stolen and its identity fragmented. As a filmmaker, I’ve always championed the importance of telling our own stories, rooted in our heritage and told by us. In today’s fast-moving world, film remains a powerful time capsule, preserving the soul of our culture for future generations.
This is a story of resilience, strength, and empowerment. It is a gift and tribute to the Edo people and a legacy for all Nigerians and Africans all over the world.”
Osamede promises to be an immersive experience, combining the mystique of ancient Benin with contemporary filmmaking techniques to create a film that is not only entertaining but deeply meaningful. Audiences can expect stunning visuals, compelling performances, and a powerful message of female empowerment.
As the Nigerian film industry continues to gain international recognition, Osamede is poised to set new standards for storytelling, production quality, and cultural representation. With Lilian Olubi and James Omokwe at the helm, this film is an exciting addition to Nollywood’s growing portfolio of epic, globally relevant content.
About Lilian Olubi:
Lilian Olubi is an experienced finance executive with 25 years in Nigeria’s capital markets, known for driving growth and transformation. She is committed to civic responsibility and advocates for the SME and creative sectors. Her company, Gold Lilies Global Services, has successfully produced the stage play OSAMEDE, which has had 12 live performances to date. Additionally, she serves on various corporate boards, including the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), and is a judge on the entrepreneurship reality show, NEXT TITAN Nigeria.
About James Omokwe:
James Omokwe is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder and CEO of Feemo Vision Limited, a film and television production company dedicated to authentic African storytelling. He has produced popular cable shows like Ajoche, Chetam, Riona, and Itura. An alumnus of Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, James aims to create an ecosystem that fosters investment and growth in the film and TV industry.
