Nigeria’s First film History Exhibition Debuts in Lagos for Independence

A groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the rich history of Nigeria’s film industry is poised to make history itself. To mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day, the ‘Losing Daylight’ exhibition will be unveiled temporarily in Lagos on October 1 and 2.

Inspired by the phrase often used by filmmakers racing against the clock, ‘Losing Daylight’ promises an exquisite showcase of carefully curated artifacts and memorabilia spanning Nigeria’s cinematic journey. The exhibition will traverse the colonial era of the 19th century, the golden age of Nigerian cinema, the era of home video films, and the vibrant new Nollywood era. Exhibits will include vintage costumes, movie scripts, rare footage, historical news publications, iconic posters, VHS cassettes, captivating prop installations, and other never-before-seen items, promising visitors a nostalgic voyage through time.

This remarkable two-day event is curated by talent agent and film history collector, Taiwo Adeyemi. ‘Losing Daylight’ will welcome esteemed dignitaries, filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts, historians, students, and the general public to an opening reception on October 1st, at Glover Court, Ikoyi. The exhibition will continue with an all-day viewing on October 2
This pop-up exhibition is a prelude to a major one-week exhibition scheduled for December 2023 at the EcoBank Pan African Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, welcoming visitors from around the globe to embark on a multisensory journey through a century of moving pictures.

Taiwo Adeyemi, the curator, emphasises that, “Losing Daylight goes beyond being an exhibition; it’s an institution committed to reclaiming the fading history of Nigerian cinema and making it accessible to all as an art form, source of entertainment, educational resource, cultural heritage, and social documentation. At its core, this exhibition tells the story of an industry that has shaped the perspectives, beliefs, and cultural values of millions of Nigerians and Africans.”

The exhibition is presented in association with EcoBank Nigeria, Change.org, Zikoko, BoxxCulture, and Q21 Solutions.