A superhero movie, Osamede, depicting aspects of the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom, received a standing ovation at its premiere on Friday night and continued into the early hours of Saturday in Benin.

Osamede is a young woman who discovered the ancestral warrior powers of her people during the 1897 British invasion of her homeland.

The film positioned the authentic African history as the foundation for contemporary superhero storytelling, according to its producers.

The premiere brought together cultural leaders, government officials, film industry stakeholders, and representatives from the Fugar and Ososo communities, where the film was shot.

The premiere was held with the support of the state government led by Munirat Lecky, senior special assistant to the Edo governor on tourism and the creative Economy.

The audience rose to their feet as the credits rolled, with many visibly moved by seeing their history and language celebrated on screen.

“Bringing Osamede home to Benin was always the dream,” said executive producer Lilian Olubi. “Today proved why this story needed to be told. People cheered. They saw themselves as heroes for the first time. That’s what happens when you tell your own story in your own language.”

The director, James Omokwe, said he collaborated with Benin cultural historians to ensure the film accurately represented the kingdom’s legacy.

“The applause today wasn’t just for a film. It was for its recognition and validation. The people of Edo have been waiting to see their history treated with the respect it deserves. We gave them that,” Mr Omokwe said.

Lead actress Ivie Okujaye Egboh, who played Osamede, described the screening as the most meaningful moment of her career.

“Playing a Benin warrior in the actual kingdom, surrounded by descendants of those warriors… I felt the weight of every scene. When the audience stood and applauded, I knew we had honoured their ancestors,” Ms Egboh said.

William Benson, who played Iyase, Osamede’s nemesis, said the Benin reception exceeded expectations.

“You could feel the pride in the room. Beyond the entertainment, this was about people seeing their power reflected back at them. That’s rare,” Mr Benson said.

According to Ms Lecky, Osamede demonstrates how authentic storytelling can drive cultural tourism and economic development.

“This film will bring people to Edo state. It will spark our young people’s curiosity about their heritage. That’s the kind of cultural investment we need,” stated Ms Lecky.

Edo community representatives from Fugar and Ososo expressed pride in seeing their towns depicted authentically on the screen.

The producers said the production created a direct economic impact in both communities through local crew employment, vendor engagement, and income opportunities for residents who participated as extras and support staff.

The movie will premiere in Lagos on Sunday, while the nationwide release in Nigerian cinemas will be on October 17.

It will be followed by a UK theatrical release on October 31 and a North American release on November 7.

(NAN)