History was made on 1 July as the highly anticipated political thriller 77: The Festac Conspiracy celebrated its star-studded World Premiere at the International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
Serving as the flagship event of the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026, the premiere also marked a historic milestone as the prestigious pan-African creative marketplace expanded beyond Nigeria for the very first time. The evening delivered a compelling blend of political intrigue, cinematic excellence and a vibrant celebration of Pan-African identity.
The atmosphere was electric as celebrated screen icons Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah captivated audiences on the red carpet, igniting a social media frenzy and drawing a completely sold-out crowd.
Directed by Izu Ojukwu, 77: The Festac Conspiracy serves as the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed 2016 film 76, and received an overwhelmingly positive reception from audiences in attendance.
The landmark premiere further cemented Zambia’s growing reputation as a rising destination for African entertainment and cultural tourism, while underscoring the commercial and cultural power of African stories rooted in the continent’s history.
“To see the explosive warmth and energy from our Zambian family tonight proves that African stories know no borders,” said Rita Dominic during the post-screening address. “This premiere wasn’t just about a movie; it was a celebration of our shared history, our shared culture, and the booming future of African cinema.”
Executive Producer Prince Tonye Princewill highlighted the significance of the production, saying:
“With 77: The Festac Conspiracy, we are going deeper into history, but with even more cinematic power. This film is a cultural reckoning and a global statement about where African cinema is headed.”
Following the resounding success of the world premiere, producers revealed that preparations are underway for a spectacular Homecoming Premiere in Lagos, Nigeria. The event will return the film to the city where the historic FESTAC ’77 took place, celebrating its cultural legacy with audiences before the film begins its wider theatrical rollout across Africa and beyond.
