Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani has released his latest film Cordelia in cinemas nationwide today, Friday.
Speaking at a press conference last week, organised by City People Magazine ahead of the release, Kelani described Cordelia as more than a film, it is a cultural milestone that blends African literature, history and music into a compelling cinematic experience.
“After three years of hard work, resilience, and faith, Cordelia is finally ready for cinema audiences,” he said.
“This is not just the release of a film, it is the celebration of a journey. A journey that began with a powerful story on the page and comes alive today on the screen.”
Adapted from a novel by renowned playwright and scholar Professor Femi Osofisan, Cordelia follows a gripping narrative set in the aftermath of a military coup. A disillusioned professor shelters a wounded student, unaware she is the daughter of a wrongly accused coup puppet. As danger closes in, personal and political truths begin to unravel.
Kelani stressed the importance of adapting African literature for the screen, calling it “a reminder of the critical bond between African literature and African film.”
“When we adapt them to film, we are not just entertaining, we are preserving, interpreting, and passing on culture,” he said. “This is what makes our cinema deeply authentic, and what sets African storytelling apart.”
Describing Cordelia as a film about silence, power and quiet suffering, Kelani said the story reflects how ordinary people are the first to suffer in times of upheaval.
“It holds a mirror to the fractures in our society and the fragility within the family when truth is suppressed,” he said.
“Cordelia gives voice to those quiet victims, the ones history books often forget.”
The film stars Omowunmi Dada as Cordelia, William Benson as Professor Adekunle, Yvonne Jegede as Remi, Keppy Ekpeyong as Colonel Nwanze, and Kelechi Udegbe as Major Kawale.
Kelani also highlighted the film’s unique musical collaboration. The score, composed by Michael Ogunlade, was brought to life through a cross-continental partnership with the University of Delaware’s Music Department in the United States, under Professor Anderson. The project, titled Cultural Fusion, involved orchestration and arrangement that added depth to the film’s emotional landscape.
“This collaboration between continents, between cultures, between traditions and techniques—represents exactly what Cordelia stands for,” he said.
The acclaimed director extended gratitude to the cast, crew and audience, praising the unwavering support of Nigerian film lovers through every era of Nollywood.
“You believed in our stories when others didn’t,” he said. “And it is for you that we continue to create.”
He also thanked City People Magazine, led by editor Seye Kehinde and assistant editor Sunday Adigun, for their role in hosting the event and supporting Nigerian creativity.
In his closing remarks at the press conference, Kelani said:
“Cordelia is not the end, but a new beginning—marking the start of a fresh chapter filled with entertaining, thought-provoking, and culturally grounded films that will continue to complement my decades-long journey in African cinema. Ire ni o.”
To further celebrate the release, Kelani shared a post on Instagram on Friday, urging movie lovers to experience Cordelia on the big screen. He wrote:
“This is the day the Lord has made!
Let’s all troop out and experience Cordelia in cinemas starting today!
A powerful story brought to life on the big screen.
Don’t miss it.
Ire ni o.
– TK”
Cordelia is produced and directed by Tunde Kelani, with screenplay adaptation by Bunmi Ajiboye, cinematography by Adekunle Adejuyigbe and executive production by Tayo Oladimeji and Kunle Adebiyi.
The film is now showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
