A report by Premium Times Nigeria highlights the “Nollywood in Hollywood” showcase taking place on March 6 and 7, 2026, in Los Angeles. Three major Nigerian films—Stitches, When Nigeria Happens, and To Adaego With Love—were selected for screenings at the prestigious Aero Theatre and the University of Southern California. This annual event serves as a bridge between the world’s second-largest film industry and the global capital of cinema.
The showcase kicked off with a red-carpet event for Stitches, directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso, drawing a mix of African and American film executives. Vanguard News reported that the event aims to expose Nigerian storytelling to Academy Award voters and international distributors. The film When Nigeria Happens, which blends contemporary dance with Lagos drama, has been particularly noted for its “evolving voice” in African cinema.
According to the Guardian Nigeria, the showcase concluded with To Adaego With Love, a historical drama that explores themes of healing and history. Showcase organizer Maceo Oyamendan stated, “Each of these films speaks to a different part of our shared experience: love, ambition, and history.” The event has become a staple for the Nigerian diaspora in California, providing a platform for filmmakers to engage in direct Q&A sessions with Hollywood audiences.
Echotitbits take: Bringing Nollywood to the doorstep of Hollywood is no longer just about “exposure”; it’s about establishing Nigerian cinema as a commercially viable genre for Western audiences. The selection of dance-heavy and historical dramas shows a shift away from traditional “juju” tropes toward more diverse, high-production-value narratives that resonate globally.
Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/854481-nollywood-in-hollywood-unveils-three-films-for-2026-los-angeles-showcase.html March 7, 2026
Photo Credit: Premium Times
