NOLLYWOOD IN HOLLYWOOD 2026
Presented by the USC School of Cinematic Arts, American Cinematheque, and O2A Media
invites you and a guest to attend

A Special Theatrical Screening of

WHEN NIGERIA HAPPENS

Produced, Directed, and Edited by Ema Edosio Deelen 
Written by Adebayo Oduwole & Ema Edosio Deelen

3:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 7th, 2026

The Eileen Norris Cinema Theater at the Frank Sinatra Hall
3507 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.
 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Nollywood in Hollywood 2026 takes place
March 6th at the American Cinematheque's Aero Theater
& March 7th at USC's Eileen Norris Cinema Theater
 

About When Nigeria Happens

When Nigeria Happens follows a group of misfit dancers, Fagbo, Pokko, Lighter, Movement, Colos, and Poppy, who live for their art and defy society's expectations. Their world is shaken when Fagbo’s mother falls critically ill, leaving him desperate for funds, and societal pressures threaten their bond and dreams. As sacrifices mount and their resilience is test ed, they must confront what it truly means to fight for love, identity, and a future in Nigeria.

Running time: 120 minutes.

About the Filmmaker

EMA EDOSIO DEELEN (Producer, Director, Editor)

Ema Edosio Deelen is a filmmaker known for her visually expressive, emotionally grounded storytelling that explores identity, resilience, and the human spirit. She is the founder of City Gates Film Production, a studio committed to bold, character - driven stories that resonate across cultures.

Her debut feature, Kasala!, screened at over 30 international film festivals and won nine awards, gaining praise for its energy and sharp insight into youth and class. Her second film, Otiti, premiered at the Brazil African Film Festival and was celebrated for its sensitive portrait of estranged family ties and personal redemption.

With a background in cinematography and directing from the Motion Pictures Institute of Michigan, Ema’s filmmaking is rooted in a strong visual language shaped by years of experience as a video journalist and director for global platforms including the BBC, Vice, and Bloomberg. Her latest film, When Nigeria Happens, is the first Nigerian contemporary dance drama. It had its world premiere in August 2025 as the opening film of the Open Doors program at the Locarno Film Festival, the first edition of the program to spotlight Africa.

About Nollywood in Hollywood

Nollywood in Hollywood is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting Nigerian cinema on the world stage. Its mission is to bring the best of Nollywood to Hollywood by connecting filmmakers, industry professionals, film lovers, and the global diaspora through storytelling.

Each year, the organization hosts curated screenings at American Cinematheque venues and at the Norris Theatre at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, creating opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange, and global recognition.

Founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, Nollywood in Hollywood promotes Nigerian cinema through cultural exchange and international collaboration. Presented in collaboration with the USC School of Cinematic Arts, American Cinematheque, and O2A Media, the showcase convenes filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences for screenings, discussions, and networking.

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 2:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/

Contact Information

Name: Alessandro Ago
Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu