+ Tells City People What Movie Lovers Should Expect
Legendary Nigerian filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, has officially unveiled his latest cinematic project, Cordelia, at a press conference held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the City People Head Office in Gbagada, Lagos.
The event, hosted by City People Magazine, marked a significant moment in contemporary African cinema, drawing journalists, filmmakers, cultural influencers, and art enthusiasts who came to celebrate yet another milestone in Kelani’s illustrious career.
Describing the film as more than just a movie, Kelani referred to Cordelia as “a celebration of a journey” that spanned over three years of resilience, creative energy, and unwavering collaboration.
“Cordelia is finally ready for cinema audiences,” Kelani announced. “This is not just the release of a film—it is the celebration of a journey. A journey that began with a powerful story on the page and comes alive today on the screen.”
The movie is based on a novel by renowned Nigerian playwright and scholar, Professor Femi Osofisan. According to Kelani, Cordelia delves into the delicate themes of silence, power, truth, and survival—exploring the emotional and political aftermath of historical events through the eyes of ordinary people.
“It is not the powerful who suffer first,” he said. “It is the innocent—families torn apart, children displaced, parents silenced or disappeared. Cordelia gives voice to those quiet victims the history books often forget.”
The veteran director also stressed the vital role African literature plays in cinema, reinforcing the importance of adapting local narratives that reflect cultural identity and heritage.
“African storytelling is unique because it preserves, interprets, and passes on culture,” he explained. “Our written stories, oral traditions, and lived experiences must continue to shape our cinematic expressions.”
A major highlight of the unveiling was the revelation of a groundbreaking musical collaboration that enriched the film’s emotional texture. The original score, composed by Michael Ogunlade, was arranged and orchestrated in partnership with the Music Department of the University of Delaware, USA, under Professor Anderson. The joint project, titled “Cultural Fusion,” exemplifies the global potential of African cinema.
“This collaboration between continents, cultures, traditions, and techniques represents exactly what Cordelia stands for,” Kelani remarked. “It is a creative dialogue—a meeting point between African stories and global craftsmanship.”
Kelani extended heartfelt appreciation to the film’s executive producers, Mr. Tayo Oladimeji and Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, the cast and crew, and the loyal Nigerian audience who have supported Nollywood through its many phases—from the VHS era to today’s streaming platforms.
“You believed in our stories when others didn’t. And it is for you that we continue to create,” he stated.
Also present at the press conference were a few of the film’s notable celebrity cast members, including William Benson, Yvonne Jegede, and Nwanze Kelechi, who added extra excitement to the occasion. The trio shared their thoughts and experiences with journalists, reflecting on their respective roles in the film, what it was like working under the direction of Tunde Kelani, and what audiences should expect.
Each of them expressed a sense of pride and honour to be part of such a culturally meaningful project, highlighting Kelani’s brilliance as a director and the emotional depth of the story.
The filmmaker rounded off his speech by commending City People Magazine for organizing the event and acknowledged Editor-in-Chief , Dr. Seye Kehinde, Assistant Editor Mr. Sunday Adigun, and their editorial team for their consistent promotion of Nigerian creativity and culture.
Kelani hinted that Cordelia marks not the end, but the beginning of a new creative chapter.
“Cordelia is not the end, but a new beginning—marking the start of a fresh chapter filled with entertaining, thought-provoking, and culturally grounded films,” he concluded.
Cordelia is set to hit cinemas nationwide on July 18, 2025, and is already generating strong buzz as one of the most anticipated Nigerian film releases of the year.
