When a soldier is killed in action, many feel unconcerned. In their opinion, they are trained to pay the ultimate price.

Why is this so? Perhaps, the answer lies in the new film, ’76, which is coming to cinemas across the country very soon.

Six years after the civil war, a young officer from the middle belt got entangled in a romantic relationship with a pretty lady from the south eastern 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, excessive greed and endless thirst for power and material wealth may have destroyed what could have been 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 three 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 in the film held so much historical value: Dr. Samuel Akintola, the late premier of Western Nigeria lived in this barrack and his apartment was used in the shoot. Former Hear of State, General Yakubu Gowon lived there too among many other notable figures.

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Directed by award winning 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 footages that contribute to the movie’s overall authenticity. The execution of the movie was also done with approval and support from the Nigerian Army.

For once, Tonye Princewill, CEO of Adonis Productions, who also doubles as the producer of the movie, used ‘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.  Indeed, ‘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 stellar cast that includes Rita Dominic, Ramsey Noah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ada Ofoegbu, Daniel K. Daniel and a host of others, ’76 will definitely break bounds and in turn come out as one of the highest grossing blockbusters 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.

With over 400 cast members costumed for the movie, it is important to give kudos to the entire team for a job well done and a story well executed. With the use of high definition equipment, clearer shots, excellent lightning and brilliantly told story, ‘76 is worth spending your money to watch.

Distributed by Sliverbird Films Distribution, the movie will be available in virtually all cinemas across the nation in November.