76, which was formerly known as ‘Lions of ’76’ is a Nigerian historical fiction movie, and one of Nollywood’s finest. The director, Izu Ojukwu and the producers, Adonaijah Owiriwa and Izu Ojukwu took steps to ensure that the film was portrayed in the best possible way.
The 2016 film which features various talented actors, including the likes of Rita Dominic and Chidi Mokeme, is based on the 1976 military coup which led to the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed and how it affected the lives of a military officer and his pregnant wife. Set in a period six years after the civil war, the movie also follows their relationship and the challenges they encountered due to countless military postings.
According to report, it had taken Izu Ojukwu seven months to get the movie approved by the authorities due to its contents. But now that everything was in place, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The filming of the movie took place in the Mokola Barracks in Ibadan, Oyo state and was set in the 70s.
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The cast and crew were all top-notch, and he had spared no expense in making sure that the movie looked realistic. He knew that it would be controversial, but he wanted to put the story out. This was his vision, and he was going to see it through to the end.
The director had always had an interest in making films based on the military. It was a scene right out of Hollywood. The director watched with intense concentration as the actors meticulously went through their drills. The characters were trained in the proper military conduct. This was going to be his magnum opus, and he wanted it to be perfect. Also, Izu Ojukwu focus was on the actual story, so the violence was at its minimum.
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