Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani is returning to the big screen with a new movie titled Cordelia, which is set for cinema release on July 18.
The 77-year-old announced the film during a press conference held on Monday at the City People Magazine headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos. The event was attended by film lovers, journalists and members of the art community.
Adapted from a novel by Professor Femi Osofisan, Cordelia tells the story of a disillusioned university professor who shelters a wounded student during a violent campus uprising and a deceptive military coup.
Unknown to him, the young woman is the daughter of a wrongly accused coup scapegoat. As danger draws near, personal and national secrets unravel.
Speaking at the event, Kelani described the film as more than just a movie.
“It is a celebration of a journey… a journey that began with a powerful story on the page and comes alive today on the screen,” he said.
He continued: “It is not the powerful who suffer first… it is the innocent—families torn apart, children displaced, parents silenced or disappeared. Cordelia gives voice to those quiet victims the history books often forget.”
Kelani also highlighted the importance of literature in African cinema.
“Our written stories, oral traditions, and lived experiences must continue to shape our cinematic expressions,” he said.
The filmmaker thanked the executive producers Tayo Oladimeji and Kunle Adebiyi, as well as the cast, crew and Nollywood audience.
“You believed in our stories when others didn’t. And it is for you that we continue to create,” he said.
He added that Cordelia marks the beginning of a new phase for his career.
“This is a new beginning—marking the start of a fresh chapter filled with entertaining, thought-provoking, and culturally grounded films,” Kelani said.
Also speaking at the press conference, cast members William Benson, Yvonne Jegede, and Nwanze Kelechi praised Kelani’s direction and the emotional depth of the film.
The film’s original score was composed by Michael Ogunlade in collaboration with the University of Delaware’s music department, led by Professor Anderson. Kelani described the musical blend as a “cultural fusion” between African storytelling and global sounds.
On Instagram, Kelani shared a poster of the film with the caption:
“CORDELIA is here. After three years behind the scenes, the legendary Tunde Kelani returns to the big screen with a bold new film that will leave you questioning everything.
Set against a backdrop of tension and personal secrets, Cordelia is a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and the heavy price of silence.”
Actress Omowunmi Dada, who stars in the film, also posted the trailer on Instagram.
“Cordelia Is Coming To The Cinemas July 18th!!!!
Amidst the chaos of a violent campus uprising and a deceptive military coup, a disillusioned university professor shelters a wounded student—unaware she is the daughter of a wrongly accused coup puppet. As danger closes in, personal and national truths unravel, forcing him to choose between safety, justice, and his conscience,” she wrote.
Tunde Kelani is also a cast in the movie.
