‘76’: When historical event takes centre stage

….an epic tale of war, love and redemption

When a soldier is killed in action, we feel unconcerned; in our opinion, they are trained to pay the ultimate price. Until recently, my thoughts got stirred in the direction of the fate that befalls their loved ones when duty calls.  Six years after the civil war, a young officer from the middle belt got entangled in a romantic relationship with a young lady from the southeastern part of Nigeria. Their budding romance was almost ruptured with the daunting task of military posting. Now heavily pregnant, her world came crumbling when news of her husband’s involvement in a botched coup attempt hit the headlines.

’76 is a drama entrenched with deep philosophy, set in the seventies during the oil boom era, which ought to have been a decisive decade for the emergence of Nigeria as an economic giant. Perhaps our excessive greed and endless thirst for power and material wealth may have destroyed what is to be known as the greatest black nation on earth.

The movie ’76 has been a major worthwhile project but quite tasking to all involved. The journey to its realization was filled with its own unique challenges. Shot on super 16mm it took a total of 3 years to plan. Choosing relevant locations, getting permission from the Nigerian Army and being able to access military hardware

It is important to note that the Army barrack used held so much historical value and facts; Dr. Samuel Akintola, the late premier of Western Nigeria lived in this barrack and his quarter was used in the shoot. Gen. Gowon lived there too among many other notable figures.

Directed by award winning director, Izu Ojukwu, 76 is inspired by events which led up to and followed the botched 1976 coup d’état, and features real life, archived, actual footage that contributes to the movie’s overall authenticity. The execution of the movie was also done with approval and support from the Nigerian Army.

For once in the Nigerian movie production, Princewill CEO of Adonis Production who also doubled as the producer of the movie used the movie ‘76’ to tell a tale of love in the time of war, range of issues including the plight of the African woman, and the usually invisible pain of a soldier’s wife. 76 highlights the enduring Nigerian cultural values of courage, resilience, patience, loyalty, faith and family and the nation’s ability to surmount all challenges.”

With a staller cast that includes Rita Dominic, Ramsey Noah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ada Ofoegbu, Daniel K Daniel and a host of others. The movie will definitely break bounds and in turn come out as one of highest grossing movie to be produced in Nigeria as it dwells so much about history that has been forgotten but now told from the cinematography angle with a detailed event that can be related with.

Over 400 cast members who were costumed for the movie; it is needful to give kudos to the entire team for a job well delivered and story executed with the use of high definition equipment giving a clearer shot; lightning was excellent!! Location was perfect and story brilliantly told.

Have you forgotten about the 1976 coup d’état? Then 76’ is that movie that refresh that memory