9 films to look out for at the 2015 festival

The countdown is on to one of the biggest film festivals Lagos has seen. Once again this year, Lights, Camera, AFRICA!!! is set to showcase a variety of African and independent cinema including feature films, documentaries and animations. The event takes place from Wednesday, September 30 to Sunday, October 4 2015 at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

11 Nigerian films to look out for at the 2015 African film festival

The affair which seeks to support the work of upcoming film makers from the continent will not just be limited to a viewing experience, there’ll also be seminars, talks and workshops.

Here’s a list of 9 films you should watch out for at the festival.

"The Sim"

A young girl caught in a computer simulated world and must fight her way through to survive. However, a shocking reality awaits her when she finds her match in a stronger opponent. A cool, animated, fight sequence every comic or game lover would love to watch.

Dir. Eri Umusu, Nigeria, 2014 , 3.57min.

"Boat Girls"

In the aftermath of a one night stand Kirsty, now a visitor in her hometown is forced to turn to Jessica in order to get back to her luxury hotel. As they drive the two women reveal the different paths their lives have taken since their life-long tryst was broken.

Dir. Roger Young, South Africa, 2015, 20 min.

"The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo"

"The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo" explores the artistic contribution of one of Africa’s foremost woman writers, a trailblazer for an entire generation of exciting new talent. The film charts Ama Ata Aidoo’s creative journey in a life that spans 7 decades from colonial Ghana through the tumultuous era of independence to a more sober present day Africa where nurturing women’s creative talent remains as hard as ever.

"The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo" celebrates an acclaimed Pan-African feminist, poet, playwright and novelist and provides a fascinating insight into her life.

Dir.Yaba Badoe, Ghana/U.K, 2014, 78min.

"Soko Sonko (The Market King)"

When her mum gets sick, Kibibi’s dad must take her to the market to get her hair braided before school begins. This is a hilarious, fish-out-of-water roller coaster of a journey about a well-intentioned dad who goes nowhere no man has gone before…because only women have been there!

Dir. Ekwa Msangi, Kenya/USA, 2014, 22min

"Henna"

A 13 year old Reina dreams in a village where young girls are married out at a young age. She is terrified as she is asked to drop out of school and get married but after the death of her father’s last wife and close friend, 15 year old Amina from RVF, Reina does not just stop at being terrified but seeks to turn her dream for a better life and proper education into a reality. She is a girl, but her voice must be heard.

Dir. Ishaya Bako, Nigeria, 2015, 22min

"Sex Okra and Salted Butter"

Hortense a nurse of African origin in her forties, abandons her family to be with her lover, Jean-Paul – an oyster cultivator in the Arcachon Bay. Her husband, Malik (Marius Yelolo) remains in denial about his wife's departure as he is left to look after their children – two boys aged 12 and 6. While Malik dreams of returning home to Mali, the rest of his family (including his eldest son Dani whose homosexual identity is suddenly revealed to Malik) embrace life in France. The unexpected arrival of the beautiful and mysterious Amina further complicates the family situation, alongside a close relationship that develops between Malik and his lonely neighbour Mme Myriam.

Dir. Mahamat Saleh Haroun, France, 2008, 81min.

"Timbuktu"

Not far from the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, now ruled by the religious fundamentalists, proud cattle herder Kidane lives peacefully in the dunes with his wife Satima , his daughter Toya, and Issan, their twelve-year-old shepherd. In town, the people suffer, powerless, from the regime of terror imposed by the Jihadists determined to control their faith. Music, laughter, cigarettes, even soccer have been banned.

Dir. Abderrahmane Sissako, France/Mauritania, 2014, 100min.

"White Wedding"

Set against South Africa’s breath-taking landscapes, "Whie Wedding" is a high-spirited modern day road comedy about love... The loyal, committed and very decent Elvis leaves Johannesburg to pick up his best friend and best man Tumi in Durban. The two will then journey on to Cape Town to begin rehearsals for Elvis's wedding to the beautiful Ayanda. But things don't always go according to plan. An appealing, feel-good movie about love, commitment, intimacy and friendship and the host of maddening obstacles that can get in the way of a happy ending.

Dir. Jann Turner, South Africa, 2009, 93min.

Sobukwe: A Great Soul

Sobukwe celebrates the life of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, restoring him to his rightful place as a leading figure in South African history. Despite his pivotal role in the struggle for liberation (and as the founder of the Pan Africanist Congress), there isn’t a single piece of archive of the man who was once one of the most watched, recorded, and popular political prisoners in the world.

Dir. Mickey Dube, South Africa, 2013, 100min.

Watch the trailer for "Soko Sonko (The Market King)" below: