LOS ANGELES/Nigeria: The seventh annual Nollywood in Hollywood film showcase wrapped up on Saturday in Los Angeles after two days of packed screenings, red carpet appearances and engaging audience conversations celebrating the global rise of contemporary Nigerian cinema.
The event, organised in partnership with the American Cinematheque, the USC School of Cinematic Arts and O2A Media, brought together filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts to spotlight three films directed by women in commemoration of Women’s History Month.
Speaking at the event, Operations Director of Nollywood in Hollywood, Maceo Willis, described the 2026 edition as a remarkable success despite logistical hurdles that affected the participation of some filmmakers.
“This year’s edition felt like a rebirth,” Willis said. “Despite visa challenges affecting some filmmakers, we were able to stage one of the best editions of the showcase. As we move forward, we’re launching initiatives that will benefit the diaspora filmmaking community while continuing to bridge the gap between Nollywood and Hollywood.”
The showcase opened on Friday, March 6, at the historic Aero Theatre with the red-carpet premiere of Stitches, directed by acclaimed British-Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso.
Star actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande attended the screening and later participated in a post-screening conversation moderated by actor and producer Jimmy Jean-Louis.
Speaking on the red carpet, Egbuson-Akande expressed excitement about returning to the event years after attending its inaugural edition.
“This is awesome. This is a dream coming true in real time,” she 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.”
Opening night attracted several notable figures from Los Angeles’ film and cultural community, including Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr., founder of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival Ayuko Babu, the festival’s General Manager and Director of Programming Asantewa Olatunji, and Nigerian-American community leader Richard Omordia, President of Black Panther Strong, a co-sponsor of the event.
The gathering also drew African community leaders, politicians, culture enthusiasts, artists, students and Hollywood actors, further highlighting the growing cultural influence of Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
Councilmember Price commended the initiative, noting that the showcase represents a powerful platform for cultural exchange and storytelling.
“This event is about communication and cultural connection,” Price said. “On behalf of the four million residents of Los Angeles, I want to say thank you for opening doors for the diaspora and celebrating storytelling through film.”
Activities continued on Saturday, March 7, at the Norris Cinema Theatre with the screening of When Nigeria Happens, directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, and To Adaego With Love, directed by Nwamaka Chikezie. Both films were followed by lively audience discussions with the filmmakers.
Founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood was established to promote Nigerian cinema through cultural exchange and international collaboration.
The annual Los Angeles showcase serves as a platform that connects filmmakers, industry professionals and global audiences through curated screenings, dialogue and networking opportunities.
As the 2026 edition drew to a close, organisers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the platform’s mission of amplifying African storytelling while strengthening creative partnerships between Nollywood and Hollywood.
Nollywood in Hollywood is a registered nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting Nigerian cinema globally by connecting filmmakers, industry leaders, film enthusiasts and members of the diaspora through curated screenings and cross-cultural storytelling experiences in Los Angeles.
