Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen: Top Edo-Language Nollywood Movies Preserving Benin Culture

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If you know Nollywood, then you’ve probably heard of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, one of Nigeria’s most prolific film directors, often referred to as “The Governor” of Nollywood. While he has made films in English and other Nigerian languages, what sets him apart is his dedication to preserving Edo culture through cinema. His Edo-language films aren’t just entertainment; they are cultural archives that capture the traditions, values, and history of the Edo people.

In this article, we’ll explore Lancelot Imasuen’s most notable movies, the cultural impact they’ve had and why his work continues to stand out in the Nollywood film industry.

 

Who is Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen?

Before diving into his Edo-language productions, it’s essential to understand the man behind them. Lancelot was born in Benin City, Edo State, on the 21st day of July, 1971. Lancelot Imasuen grew up surrounded by the rich traditions of the Edo people. He entered Nollywood in the mid-1990s and quickly became known for his ability to tell culturally grounded stories.

Over the years, he has directed and produced hundreds of movies, but his epic Nollywood movies are those in the Edo language, and they remain his most influential works. Through these productions, he champions indigenous storytelling while showing that Nollywood can be a vehicle for cultural preservation.

 

Why Lancelot Imasuen Focuses on Edo-Language Films

Many Nigerian filmmakers shy away from producing in indigenous languages due to concerns about market reach. But Lancelot Imasuen sees it differently. For him, Edo-language films are a way to keep cultural identity alive in an era of globalisation. Some of his reasons include:

• Preserving Edo traditions and values for younger generations.
• Documenting Edo history in a visual form.
• Challenging the dominance of English-only Nollywood productions.
• Reinforcing cultural pride among Edo people at home and abroad.

 

Notable Edo-Language Films by Lancelot Imasuen

Here are some of his most impactful productions that showcase his dedication to preserving Edo heritage:

1. Gbege (2022)

Gbege, also known as The First-Born Saga, marks Imasuen’s bold return to cinema and is rich in storytelling steeped in Edo tradition. The movie is centred around a firstborn, Zigzag, who was sentenced to life imprisonment. He lost his father during his jail term, and he insisted on performing his late father’s rites as demanded by the tradition. However, he has to go through his brother, a politician who will not stop until the tradition is abolished. 

Why it matters:

• It boldly confronts how cultural rites clash with modern legal systems.
• It carries political and moral weight uniquely tied to Benin tradition.  

 

2. Invasion 1897 (2014)

While primarily in English, this film includes Edo dialogue and deeply engages with Edo history. It dramatises the events leading up to the British invasion of Benin and the looting of its cultural treasures. The plot of the story picks up from the narration of a young prince of Benin, who was arrested and brought to trial for stealing historical artefacts from a British museum and his journey into history to defend himself.

Why it stands out:

• Focuses on a defining historical moment for the Edo people.
• The film uses film to spark conversations about colonialism and cultural restitution.
• Reintroduces Edo history to a global audience.

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3. Issakaba (2014)

Anticipation for “Issakaba” reached fever pitch as Lancelot unveiled a star-studded cast of the reboot. Initially produced by the late Nigerian filmmaker,  Chukwuka Emelionwu, and Moses of Mosco production, the five-part movie was a household favourite in the early 20s.

Inspired by real-life events, “Issakaba” was an action-packed thriller that chronicled the activities of a community vigilante group called Bakassi Boys fighting against crimes like armed robbery and murder.

Why it stands out:

• Preserves peace in African society 
• Strong moral and cautionary themes.

 

4. Ebuwa (2008)

This film showcases the struggles of poverty, love, and virtues within an Edo family. Ebuwa was forced to travel abroad by her mother to engage in the business of prostitution to facilitate the upliftment of the financial status of her family. On arrival in Europe, she fell in love with Ikpomwonsa, the man that came to her rescue when she was stranded on arrival in Europe. Dialogue is heavily in the Edo language, making it a cultural piece for native speakers. The movie “EBUWA” premieres in Benin, Abuja, Lagos, Torino, Madrid, London, Rome and New York.

Why it stands out:

• Pure Edo dialogue with minimal English.
• Highlights Edo kinship systems.
• Reflects values of respect, love, and justice.

 

How Lancelot Imasuen’s Edo-Language Films Preserve Culture

His Edo-language productions go beyond storytelling; they are cultural preservation projects. Here’s how:

• Language Preservation: By telling stories in Edo, he keeps the language alive in modern media.
• Cultural Representation: Showcasing Edo dress, festivals, and architecture.
• Historical Education: Using drama to teach younger audiences about Edo history.
• Moral Storytelling: Embedding proverbs, moral lessons, and traditional values in his narratives.

 

Challenges in Producing Edo-Language Films

While his work is celebrated, producing indigenous films comes with challenges:

• Limited Market Reach – Indigenous-language films often appeal to smaller audiences.
• Funding Difficulties – Sponsors tend to favour English-language productions.
• Subtitling Needs – To reach non-Edo speakers, films require accurate translations.
• Cultural Accuracy – A commitment to detail demands extensive research and consultation with historians.

 

Conclusion: Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen 

He is more than just a filmmaker, but he’s a cultural custodian for the Edo people. Through films like Issakaba, Invasion 1897, and Ebuwa, he has ensured that Edo traditions remain visible in Nollywood’s fast-changing landscape. His work proves that epic Nollywood movies can entertain while safeguarding cultural identity.

As globalisation continues to challenge indigenous languages, directors like Lancelot Imasuen remind us that preserving our roots through storytelling isn’t just possible but necessary.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lancelot Imasuen’s most notable movies

1: Who is Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen?

A Nigerian film director known for his culturally rich Nollywood productions, especially those preserving Edo heritage.

2: What is his most famous Edo-language film?

Adesuwa (2012) is one of his most acclaimed works that uses the Edo language extensively.

3: Has Lancelot Imasuen made any films about Edo history?

Yes, Invasion 1897 dramatises the British invasion of Benin and the theft of cultural artefacts.

4: Are his films available online?

Many of his productions are available on Nollywood streaming platforms and DVD releases.