Ose Oyamendan: Women Filmmakers Shine at 2026 Nollywood in Hollywood Showcase

Women filmmakers took centre stage at the 2026 edition of the Nollywood in Hollywood film showcase held in Los Angeles, United States.

According to the organisers, the annual event, founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, aims to strengthen cultural exchange and promote collaboration between Nigeria’s film industry and the global cinema community.

The Operations Director of the showcase, Maceo Willis, said the 2026 edition was organised in partnership with the American Cinematheque, the USC School of Cinematic Arts and O2A Media.

Willis explained that the event spotlighted three films directed by women in recognition of Women’s History Month.

He said the decision reflected the increasing influence of women in shaping contemporary Nollywood storytelling and expanding the industry’s global reach.

“The 2026 edition feels 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 event opened on March 6 at the Aero Theatre with the red-carpet premiere of Stitches, directed by British-Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso.

Nigerian actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, who starred in the film, described her return to the showcase years after attending its inaugural edition as deeply meaningful.

“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.”

Other films screened during the showcase included When Nigeria Happens, directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, and To Adaego With Love, directed by Nwamaka Chikezie. Both films received enthusiastic responses from audiences and explored the realities of filmmaking in Nigeria.

Beyond film screenings, the event highlighted the role of diaspora-led initiatives in projecting Nigerian cinema to global audiences.

Among notable guests at the event were Curren D. Price Jr., founder of the Pan African Film and Arts Festival Ayuko Babu, and the festival’s General Manager and Director of Programming, Asantewa Olatunji.

Also present was Richard Omordia, Nigerian-American President of Black Panther Strong, a co-sponsor of the event.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Price emphasised the importance of storytelling in fostering cultural connections.

“This event is about communication and cultural connection,” he 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.”