Lagos on the global stage! There is a specific kind of electricity in the air when one of our own takes the world by storm, and this week, all eyes are on Olive Nwosu. Her debut feature film, Lady, has officially premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition, and let’s just say: the pride is overflowing!
For those of us in the diaspora, seeing a story that breathes the grit, rhythm, and soul of Lagos on such a prestigious platform is more than just a “movie moment”—it’s a movement.
A Love Letter to the Spirit of Lagos
Lady isn’t your typical Nollywood fare; it is a raw, mythic, and deeply moving “love letter” to the women of Lagos. The story follows a fiercely independent female cab driver (played by the magnetic Jessica Gabriel’s Ujah) navigating a man’s world. When she’s pulled into the orbit of a band of reckless yet radiant sex workers, her life transforms into a journey of sisterhood, danger, and self-discovery.
Set against the backdrop of a city on the brink—touching on real-world echoes like the removal of fuel subsidies—Nwosu captures the Naija spirit of “hustle” while exploring the deep-seated desire for freedom.
Why This Matters to Us
Olive Nwosu, an alumna of the Sundance Lab, has crafted a film that refuses to look away from the complexities of Nigerian life. From the Afro-jazz soundtrack (featuring Seun Kuti and Lil Simz!) to the authentic Pidgin dialogue, Lady feels like home. It reminds us that our stories are universal, powerful, and worthy of the highest honors.
As we watch our filmmakers decolonize the screen and reclaim our narratives, we can’t help but stand a little taller.
Huge congratulations to Olive and the entire cast! You’ve made us incredibly proud.