Ike Nnaebue’s Sink or Swim wins big at NeWark International Filmfest

Sink or Swim: The Perilous Journey, produced by Prince Richard Nwaobi-E and Adjetey Anang, directed by Ike Nnaebue, with screenplay by Anna Hanson, won big at this year’s edition of the NeWark International Film Festival.

The movie carried the day by sweeping the awards for both categories nominated. Ama K. won Best Actress and Sink or Swim took the ultimate award for Best Narrative Feature, 2017.

The movie serves a social-advocacy project highlighting the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking across the African sub-region. It was inspired in the wake of the frequent loss of lives on the Mediterranean Ocean, as people travel in search of greener pastures.

This was a collaborative effort by an all-African cast from Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Guinea and South Africa, including Zack Orji; Adjetey Anang; Raymond Ofula; Ali Nuhu; Mzee Chillo; Fred Amugi; Ama K; OG Nelson; Ruth Ndulu; Seun Akindele; Kalu George; Cosmos Segbefia; and Vicky Coker.

The movie received an official selection for the categories of Best Narrative Feature and Best Actress. Newark Intl Film Festival is the brainchild of Ken Gifford, founder of Area 21 Studios, a film and television production company based in Newark, New Jersey, United States.

This year, NIFF received over 800 entries from filmmakers all over the world, competing for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary and Best Short Film, with a youth component for all these categories.