On August 7, 2025, the 78th Locarno Film Festival witnessed a historic moment for Nigerian and African cinema as Ema Edosio-Deelen’s film When Nigeria Happens opened the prestigious Open Doors Africa section. This marked the first time an African film had the honour of opening this segment, underscoring the growing recognition and respect for African storytelling on the global stage.

When Nigeria Happens is a groundbreaking contemporary dance narrative that explores the complexities of Nigerian youth and identity through the language of movement. The film stars acclaimed Nollywood actors including Dakore Egbuson, Seun Ajayi, and Alex Usifo. Edosio-Deelen uses dance as a medium to portray the socio-political realities and emotional journeys of young creatives navigating Nigeria’s rapidly evolving cultural landscape. This innovative approach not only broadens the scope of Nigerian cinema but also challenges international audiences to reconsider African narratives beyond stereotypical frames.

The film screened at Teatro Kursaal on August 7, 2025, marking its world premiere and opening the Open Doors Africa section with great fanfare. The screening was completely sold out, with tickets snapped up quickly. It will also screen today, 8th of August at Palavideo.

Before its Locarno premiere, When Nigeria Happens built momentum with private screenings in Lagos, including at Edosio-Deelen’s own residence,  and a women’s film club amongst a few others.

The Locarno festival’s Open Doors program, newly focused on African cinema for 2025–2028, aims to elevate underrepresented voices with training, mentoring, and public exposure. The decision to have When Nigeria Happens not just featured but open the entire section demonstrates the film’s extraordinary promise and Edosio-Deelen’s stature as a filmmaker.

This milestone also invites reflection on Edosio-Deelen’s impressive career journey. Her debut feature, Kasala!, released in 2018, was a critical hit internationally. The film, a lively comedy about four young men’s escapades in Lagos, screened at over 30 international film festivals and won nine awards. Kasala! is often credited with helping to pioneer a fresh wave of Nigerian cinema that embraces authentic, street-level stories with energy and humor. Edosio-Deelen’s growing filmography, including Otiti (2022) and forthcoming projects like Bisesero: A Daughter’s Story, confirms her as a bold, versatile storyteller grounded in Nigerian and African experience yet reaching for global relevance.

When Nigeria Happens has already stirred significant industry buzz and is poised for further festival runs as it is scheduled to screen at the Monstra de Cinemas Africanos Festival in Brazil later on in September 2025. Beyond festival acclaim, it stands as a beacon for Nigerian filmmakers, showing that local authenticity and international appeal are not mutually exclusive but can coexist powerfully.

This premiere is a landmark event—the dance of Nigerian identity captured on screen, opening doors not only at Locarno but potentially across the world. When Nigeria happens, indeed, the world takes notice.