The Man Died, a film inspired by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir, continues to gain global recognition as it heads to the Jo’Burg International Film Festival in South Africa and the African Film Festival in Atlanta, USA.
The film will be screened twice at the Jo’Burg International Film Festival, first at Theatre on the Square, Sandton City, on Wednesday, March 12, at 8 pm and then at Nu Metro Cinema in Hyde Park on Saturday, March 15, at 1 pm.
On the same day, it will also be featured at the African Film Festival in Atlanta at the Cinefest Film Theatre, starting at 3 pm.
The festival, organised by the African Film & Arts Foundation, celebrates African and Diaspora stories through film and the arts.
Directed by Awam Amkpa and produced by Femi Odugbemi for Zuri 24 Media, The Man Died brings to life Soyinka’s 27-month imprisonment during Nigeria’s civil war.
The film stars Wale Ojo as Soyinka, alongside Sam Dede, Norbert Young, Ropo Ewenla and Kelechi Udegbe.
Since its premiere in Lagos on July 12, 2024, to mark Soyinka’s 90th birthday, it has traveled across the world, earning multiple awards, including Best African Film That Tackles an Important African Issue at the Luxor African Film Festival, Best Screenplay at AFRIFF in Lagos and the Carthage International Film Festival in Tunisia and the Best Audience Choice Award at the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival in Enugu.
The Jo’Burg Film Festival, founded in 2019 and supported by MultiChoice, is one of Africa’s top film events, featuring 45 films this year.
This marks The Man Died’s first screening in Southern Africa after previous showings in Northern and Western regions.
Earlier, the film was showcased at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and the Nollywood in Hollywood showcase at the prestigious Egyptian Theatre.
Following these screenings, The Man Died will continue its global tour with stops at the African and African Diaspora Film Festival (FeCADA) in Costa Rica (April 23-May 18), the New York African Film Festival (May 7-13), the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) in Chicago (June 13-15), the African Theatre Association Conference in Stuttgart, Germany (July 9-12) and ADIFF Washington, DC, in August.
Written by UK-based Bode Asiyanbi, The Man Died captures Soyinka’s mental and emotional struggles in solitary confinement during Nigeria’s military rule.
Stripped of freedom, he found solace in his thoughts and secretly documented his experiences, which later became his memoir.
Director Awam Amkpa, a Nigerian-American professor and filmmaker, emphasized the importance of authenticity in telling Soyinka’s story, ensuring collaboration with those familiar with his life and experiences.
Producer Femi Odugbemi, known for projects like Tinsel and Battleground, highlighted the film’s role in preserving history and inspiring future generations.
