From the sneak preview of the movie screened for showbiz reporters on Thursday, at the FourPoint By Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, it’s obvious that something great is coming to the cinema, as Africa Magic, in partnership with Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust, gets set for the release of 76, a tale of love, trust, faith and family set against the backdrop of war and nation building.

Set six years after the Nigerian civil war, the movie tells the story of a young officer from the Middle Belt, who gets entangled in a romantic relationship and eventually marries a beautiful student from the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Their budding romance is threatened by endless military postings, and they face the ultimate test when news of the soldier’s involvement in a botched coup attempt hits the headlines.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Izu Ojukwu, 76 is inspired by events, which led up to and followed the botched 1976 coup d’etat, and features real life, archived, actual footage that contributes to the movie’s overall authenticity. The execution of the movie was also done with approval and support from the Nigerian Army.

“76 tells a tale of love in the time of war. The movie deals with a range of issues including the plight of the African woman, and the usually invisible pain of a soldier’s wife. 76 highlights the enduring Nigerian cultural values of courage, resilience, patience, loyalty, faith and family and the nation’s ability to surmount all challenges,” Ojukwu said.

The release of 76 comes 40 years after the actual events, and follows four years of work by the director and the production duo of Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust. 76 parades notable Nollywood names including Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesinma, Ada Ofoegbu, Daniel K Daniel and others.

Speaking on the movie, the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “76 is an adventurous foray into filmmaking in Nigeria. It’s an exciting, compelling storyline that many Nigerians and indeed Africans will relate with. The directing and production quality are top notch, and the themes celebrate values including courage, loyalty, patience, trust and sacrifice. 76 takes filmmaking up another level in Nigeria and we at Africa Magic are indeed excited to partner with Adonis Productions and Princewill’s trust in bringing this movie to viewers across Africa.”

For the Executive Producer and a patron of the Nigerian Association of Movie Producers, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, “76 is a deeply emotional movie, and it resonated deeply with me as I am sure it will do for viewers not just in Nigeria, but around the world. The movie’s thematic preoccupation presents a number of questions including the country’s misdirections amongst many other issues. 76 is the first movie to be shot on film and was thus a very expensive project. We are however very satisfied with the finished work and we know viewers will thoroughly enjoy the movie.”

While thanking the Nigerian Army, M-Net and other sponsors for their support, Princewill said, “None of all this would be possible without the support we have received and continue to receive. The cast and crew have been phenomenal, and they gave their all to make this movie the success that it is. I’d also like to thank my partners Adonis Production led by Mr. Adonijah for showing me one of the most powerful ways to touch lives – by making movies.”

76 premieres mid-2016 and thereafter comes to screens across the continent courtesy of Africa Magic. Speaking on the Nigerian Army’s involvement in the movie, the Head Civil-Military Affairs Army Head Quarters, Major-General Nicholas Rogers, said: “The military today is in a very different place from where it was in 1976. As the world has evolved, so have we. The relationship between the army and the people is even more critical. Our true strength comes from our collaboration, and nowhere is it better illustrated than in partnerships such as these.” Major-General Nicholas Rogers also reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army Leadership to anything positive that tells the true story.