Cordelia is a 2025 Nollywood political drama directed and produced by legendary Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani. Adapted from a novella by renowned playwright and scholar Professor Femi Osofisan, the screenplay is penned by Bunmi Ajiboye. The film officially premiered in cinemas across Nigeria on July 18, 2025, distributed by FilmOne Distribution.
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s military dictatorship in the early 1990s—a period marked by student protests, authoritarian crackdowns, and widespread fear—the story centers on Professor Adekunle Benson, a disenchanted university lecturer. His quiet life takes a dangerous turn when he offers shelter to a wounded student, Cordelia Nwanze-Peters. Unknown to him at first, Cordelia is not just any student—she is the daughter of a high-ranking military officer and is falsely accused of being involved in a failed coup attempt.
What begins as a humanitarian act soon spirals into a deep political entanglement. Professor Benson is forced to confront the oppressive machinery of the state, as he grapples with issues of truth, silence, loyalty, and resistance. With his life and career on the line, he must make a painful decision: protect an innocent girl at great personal cost, or yield to the fear and silence that have paralyzed many around him.
The film boasts a compelling cast, with Omowunmi Dada portraying the titular character Cordelia, and William Benson delivering a strong performance as the conflicted Professor Benson. They are joined by talented Nollywood stars including Yvonne Jegede, Femi Adebayo, Bassey Keppy Ekpeyong, and Kelechi Udegbe. The cinematography, handled by Adekunle Adejuyigbe, complements the tense atmosphere of the story, while the original score by Michael Ogunlade—featuring orchestral arrangements by the University of Delaware’s Music Department—elevates the film’s emotional resonance.
Critics have lauded Cordelia for its emotional depth, historical relevance, and powerful storytelling. It marks Tunde Kelani’s return to filmmaking after a three-year hiatus and is widely regarded as a timely and courageous piece that revisits silenced narratives in Nigerian political history.
With its bold themes of courage in the face of repression, Cordelia is more than a film—it is a moving reminder of the cost of truth in a society ruled by fear.
