The Nigerian film industry is celebrating a massive win as the biographical drama, "The Man Died," based on the prison memoir of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, dominated the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival.
This is the biggest Nollywood headline today because it highlights the industry's commitment to telling vital, high-quality historical stories.
Why This Win Is Huge
The film, which recounts Soyinka's 27 months of imprisonment during the Nigerian Civil War, secured multiple major awards, including the coveted prize for Best Picture. This victory is significant for several reasons:
High-Calibre Filmmaking: Produced by the acclaimed filmmaker Femi Odugbemi and directed by Awam Amkpa and Agbo Kelly, the win reaffirms Nollywood's capacity for creating globally resonant, powerful cinema that goes beyond commercial appeal.
Historical Significance: By bringing Soyinka's struggle against dictatorship and confinement to the big screen, the film ensures that a crucial piece of Nigerian history continues to be remembered and studied by a new generation.
Festival Validation: The success at the Zuma Film Festival further solidifies the film's impressive festival run, underscoring the international appeal of its story and the quality of its production.
The film also picked up awards for Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (for veteran Sam Dede), and Best Costume. This triumph showcases the talent depth in Nollywood, proving that meaningful, introspective films can command the spotlight and secure top honours.
This win not only honours the work of the creatives involved but also celebrates the power of Nigerian storytelling on a global stage.

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