ADVERTISEMENT

"Birth of a Nation," "76" announced as opening, closing films

Check out the official selection list and photos from the selection party for 2016 Africa International Film Festival.

ALSO READ: undefined

Announcing the festival programmes at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, AFRIFF Founder/Executive Director, Chioma Ude, said Lagos will, once again, wear the tourism ambiance, playing host to filmmakers and actors from around the world, with over 100 films showing at the newly opened Filmhouse-IMAX and Genesis Cinema, both in Lekki, Lagos.

The selection party was attended by Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Mathew Ekeinde, Beverly Naya, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Hilda Dokubo, Chioma Onyenwe, Judith Audu, Linda Ejiofor, Enyinna Nwigwe, Eric Aghimien, Kunle Afolayan, Biola Alabi, Ihuoma Nwigwe, Meg Otanwa, Yolanda Okereke among others.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ude announced Nate Parker’s "The Birth of a Nation" and Izu Ojukwu’s "76" as the opening and closing films respectively, an announcement which was received with loud ovation.

ALSO: undefined

The other selection includes, "93 Days" (Nigeria) by Steve Gukas,"The CEO" (Nigeria) by Kunle Afolayan, "Vaya"  (South Africa) by Akin Omotoso, "The Cursed Ones" (U.K) by Nana Obiri, "The Wedding Ring" ( Niger) by Rahmatou Keita,"Kati Kati" (Kenya) by Mbithi Masya,"If Tomorrow Never Comes" (Ghana) by Pascal Amanfo,"Remember Me" (Nigeria) by Izu Ojukwu, "Breathe" (South Africa) by Mark Dornford-May, "The Missing God" (Nigeria) by Ubaka Joseph, "Unspoken" (Nigeria) by Remi Vaughan-Richards, "Green White Green" (Nigeria) by Abba Makama, "The Unseen" (Namibia) by Perivi Natjavivi,"N.G.O" (Uganda) by Arnold Aganze, "Gidi Blues" (Nigeria) by Femi Odugbemi, "Daggers of Life" (Ghana) by "Paapa Otoo,""Shadow of the Passion" (Burkina Faso) by Ado Bambara, "Ojukokoro" (Nigeria) by Dare Olaitan, "Bala Bala Ses"(Uganda) by Lukyamuzi Bashir and "The Arbitration" (Nigeria) by Niyi Akinmolayan.

In addition to the wide range of films, the festival, according to Ude, will also offer industry platforms for skill acquisition, financing, pitching, symposia on alternative revenue streams and piracy.

Ude noted that one of the core objectives of the festival is talent development where AFRIFF has been engaging with its partners in creating opportunities for young people to explore  filmmaking. “Amongst our Shorts programme are films made by young people, selected from last year's training and talent development programmes,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

ALSO READ:undefined

Executive Producer of "76," Prince Tonye Princewill who responded from London where the film is being screened at the London International Film Festival said “the honour of our film being chosen to close the Africa International Film Festival cannot be described with words. The film has been honoured around the world, but recognition at home means everything to us. The field for Nigerian films is very strong this year, so it is especially rewarding for ‘76 to receive this nod. We are proud of the AFRIFF organizers and hope we can do them justice.”

"We are also delighted that this movie is so important to our partners 20th Century Fox that senior executives of Fox (including Paul Higginson, Executive Vice President, EMEA) as well as stars of the movie will be here, live, in Lagos to launch the "Birth of A Nation," Kene Mkparu spoke on behalf of Filmone-IMAX, FilmOne Distribution and The Birth of a Nation.

"This is a movie all Africans must get to the cinema to see. It is our story we never knew, action packed, resilient spirit of man, godliness, hard-hitting, tear-jerking, emotional, thought-provoking and very, very well made," he added.

The fifth edition of the undefined on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, The Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos, with the premiere of the movie "Mediterranea," a film by Jonas Carpignano.

ADVERTISEMENT

It closed on Friday 13, 2014, with Genevieve Nnaji's debut movie as a producer, "Road to Yesterday."

The 2016 Africa International Film Festival will hold in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 13 to 20, 2016.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Eniola Ajao apologises for naming Bobrisky best-dressed female at movie premiere

Eniola Ajao apologises for naming Bobrisky best-dressed female at movie premiere

NFVCB wants to stop skits, Nollywood films from encouraging crimes

NFVCB wants to stop skits, Nollywood films from encouraging crimes

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu knew he'd marry his wife a month into their relationship

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu knew he'd marry his wife a month into their relationship

Candy Bleakz raises her artistry on 'Better Days' EP

Candy Bleakz raises her artistry on 'Better Days' EP

Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed a 'Sister Act 3' is in the works

Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed a 'Sister Act 3' is in the works

Mardeee set to release highly anticipated single 'AWAY' on February 23

Mardeee set to release highly anticipated single 'AWAY' on February 23

Adesua Etomi pens heartwarming note to hubby Banky W on his birthday

Adesua Etomi pens heartwarming note to hubby Banky W on his birthday

Showmax, Infinix mobile to offer unparalleled viewing experience to viewers

Showmax, Infinix mobile to offer unparalleled viewing experience to viewers

I auditioned for Big Brother Nigeria on a dare - Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

I auditioned for Big Brother Nigeria on a dare - Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT