MO Abudu’s Fifty Puts Nigeria On The Map At British Film Festival

ALTHOUGH it is not the first time a movie made in Nigeria has appeared on the shortlist of the British Film Institute’s (BFI) London Film Festival, there is palpable excitement among moviegoers and observers of the motion picture industry since it was revealed that Fifty. The movie, directed by Biyi Bandele and produced by Mo Abudu, has been shortlisted in the ‘Love Category’ of the 59 year old festival, reputed as Britain’s leading film event and one of the world’s oldest film festivals. The festival, which is open to international and British films have always accommodated movies from Nigeria. Films like Kunle Afolayan’s Irapada and Chika Anadu’s B for Boy have previously been shortlisted and screened to wide acclaim.

This year, the highly-anticipated Nigerian movie, Fifty formed a part of the 238 fiction and documentary features, including 16 World Premieres, eight International Premieres and 40 European Premieres that will be screened during the 12-day festival.

Fifty stars Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson, Omoni Oboli and Nse Ikpe-Etim. The production is Mo Abudu’s quest to showcase African women coming of age, loaded with increasingly similar aspirations and dilemmas faced by their contemporaries everywhere, while yet navigating unresolved traditions and obligations.

Set in Lagos, a city of disproportionate and breathtaking contrasts, Fifty celebrates the pulse and energy of this fast developing metropolis and explores the diversities and complexities of its colourful people through the lenses of its women.

Festival Director Clare Stewart presented this year’s rich and diverse selection of films and events. However, Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive Officer of BFI had during her opening remarks declared this year’s festival theme as ‘The Year of the Strong Woman,’ a fitting theme for Fifty, which is promoted as a riveting exploration of love and lust, power and rivalry, seduction and infidelity.

Fifty will have its festival premiere on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Vue 7 Cinema, London, and a special grand Nigeria premiere on December 13, 2015 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The BFI London Film Festival introduces the finest new British and international films to an expanding London and U.K.-wide audience. The Festival provides an essential platform for films seeking global success and promotes the careers of British and international filmmakers through its industry and awards programmes.