The highly anticipated film, The Man Died, based on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s memoir, was screened at the Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) on Sunday, January 12, 2024. The event took place in the Big Hall of the prestigious Jolie Ville-The Nile, located in Luxor, Egypt, a city famously known as the ‘world’s greatest open-air museum.’
The screening of The Man Died marks a significant moment in the festival’s 14th edition, which kicked off on January 12 and runs through January 16, 2024. The film is among the ten contenders in competition, representing nine countries, including Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Togo, Rwanda, and Madagascar. The Man Died previously debuted in Lagos in July 2024 as part of Soyinka’s 90th birthday celebrations.
Thank you Luxor Africa Film Festival for a really beautiful screening of The Man Died yesterday✨🎉🎬 pic.twitter.com/dLo3zL18eI
— FemiOdugbemi (@femiodugbemi) January 13, 2025The film was produced by Zuri 24 Media and was also screened at various prestigious international venues, including the Streamfest at the Labone Dialogues in Accra, Ghana, and is set to continue making its rounds in prominent academic institutions worldwide. Notable screenings are scheduled for Florence, Italy, Abu Dhabi, South Africa, and at institutions like Harvard University, Oxford University, and Ithaca College.
The Man Died takes audiences through Wole Soyinka’s harrowing 27 months of imprisonment during Nigeria’s civil war. The film explores Soyinka’s personal journey of survival and introspection while being detained by the Nigerian government. Directed by Awam Amkpa, the film delves into Soyinka’s mental and emotional turmoil as he endured isolation and torture, finding solace only in his thoughts and written words. Soyinka, who sought peace between Biafra and the Nigerian government, is framed for alleged sedition following his visit to Biafran leader Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. His story becomes a powerful exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of political oppression.
The film features a strong cast, with Wale Ojo portraying Wole Soyinka and Sam Dede playing his chief interrogator, Yisa. It captures Soyinka’s psychological battle and the broader context of Nigeria’s political landscape during the 1960s.
Amkpa, a Nigerian-American director, reflected on the creative process behind The Man Died, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in telling Soyinka’s story. Amkpa noted that the Nollywood industry has evolved significantly, highlighting the technical progress that now defines Nigerian cinema.
The film continues to receive critical acclaim and is being reviewed by leading international film festivals such as Berlinale in Germany, the African Film Festival in New York, and FESPACO in Burkina Faso. It is also under consideration by major global streaming platforms and distribution channels, further solidifying its growing international impact.
Watch ‘The Man Died’ Trailer
