Film  

AFRIFF 12 to honor Nollywood stars and showcase indigenous films

By Itunu Azeez Kareem

06 November 2023   |   11:28 am

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The 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is set to commence, with a focus on expanding indigenous movies onto the global stage. The festival is scheduled to run from November 5 to 11, 2023, and will include award ceremonies to recognize outstanding contributions to the film industry.

AFRIF

The 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is set to commence, with a focus on expanding indigenous movies onto the global stage. The festival is scheduled to run from November 5 to 11, 2023, and will include award ceremonies to recognize outstanding contributions to the film industry.

Recognizing Nollywood Stars:
During a media event held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, it was revealed that Nollywood icons such as Richard Mofe Damijo, Funke Akindele, and Femi Adebayo would be honored at the festival. These actors have made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry and will be celebrated for their achievements.

Film Screenings and Premieres:
AFRIFF 12 will kick off with the exclusive premiere of “ORAH,” directed by Lonzo Nzekwe. The closing night promises an equally captivating event with the premiere of “Breath of Life,” an inspirational movie directed by BB Shashore and produced by Eku Edewor.

Festival’s Commitment:
Chioma Ude, the founder and Director of AFRIFF, expressed the festival’s dedication to empowering filmmakers and film enthusiasts in Africa. This year’s theme, “Indigenous to Global 2.0,” follows the previous year’s theme, emphasizing the importance of readiness for the global market. The festival aims to enhance capacity building and position the industry for more opportunities, continuing with “Indigenous to Global 3.0” in the future.

Diverse Film Selection:
AFRIFF will present a range of noteworthy films, including “Queen of Adire – A Story of Nike Davies Okundaye” by Titi Ogunfere and “Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti” by Bola Austen-Peters, among others.

Judges and Jury:
The festival’s jury is composed of both local and international members, with Stephen Dr. Love leading the team. Other jury members include Abby Ajayi, Nicholas Weinstock, Geneva Wasserman, Wafa’a Celine Halawi, Greg Odutayo, Ranada Shepard, Tsitsi Dangaremgba, and prominent Nollywood figures such as Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, and Bisola Tejumola from Multichoice Nigeria.

A Platform for New Talent:
The 12th edition of AFRIFF aims to uncover new talents, offer insider opportunities, and screen hundreds of films for free. The festival looks to strengthen its position as a hub for African stories made by Africans, ultimately taking these stories to a global audience.

Awards Night:
The festival will feature diverse activities, including panel discussions, networking sessions, and the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards. New award categories sponsored by MTN Nigeria have been introduced, including the Honouree Award, Viewer’s Choice category, and Fan Favorite Award, allowing the audience to participate and honor their favorite actors and actresses.

Actors to be honored at the Globe Awards Night include Richard Mofe Damijo, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chidi Mokeme, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Chioma Akpotha, Kunle Remi, Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe Etim, Lateef Adedimeji, and Tobi Bakare.

AFRIFF 12 promises a week of celebration and recognition, highlighting the remarkable talent within the African film industry and its potential for global success.