23 Aug Military Thriller ’76 Gets Approval from Obasanjo

The innovative military thriller ’76 was recently approved by former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was the military Head of State in 1976. The film depicts events that took place following the assassination of Gen. Murtala Mohammed.

The ex-president lauded the movie during a private screening  at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Adonis Production team led by Co-Executive Producer, Tonye Princewill received a pat on the back from Obasanjo who described  the film as “a mixture of sweet and sorrow”.

“It will make us remind ourselves not to go back to the dark days, which put us in go-no-go situation. We might not yet have lived up to our best, but we have lived through our worst.”

 He added: “We can have more of this, as there are more national issues that can be portrayed. We are capable of the best and that is what this film has shown,” he said.

The visit is part of an ongoing tour of the country  by the cast and crew of the production  to seek support and stakeholder endorsement for the film, billed to premier in cinemas in November.

“The youth of today need to have a sense of the past, we have no sense of history, hence the resolve to have the film ‘76”, he said.

 Princewill said the visit to Obasanjo was important, “considering his position at that time in the country. He was there in the front row. We deemed it wise to come and show him the film and curry his esteemed endorsement, which as you can see we have just got.”

 Hours after the former President gave his nod, the landmark cinematic production hit another milestone by being the first all-Nigerian made in Nigeria movie chosen to have its own world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film has also received scheduled dates for the London International Film Festival and the Dubai International Film Festival among others in circuit of international release.

 The film will have its specially laid out red carpet premiere on at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, Canada. The event promises to be a truly unique and momentous occasion. All the key cast, crew and many special guests are all committed to

walking the red carpet and this has been made possible by its Canadian media partners.

 The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most recognized film festivals in the world and a very important partner in facilitating the rise of emerging Oscar contenders. As a key precursor in the awards race, all eyes will be on TIFF’s full line up, which often hosts high-profile premieres of Oscar-bound movies.