#AFRIFF2017 Day 2: Excitement, passion and the world premiere of Kenneth Gyang’s The Lost Café

The first full day of the 2017 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) was loaded with activities from start to finish. Perspectives from behind the camera, an interesting keynote conversation bothering on matters relating to technical film crew with emphasis on Nigeria was facilitated by BCI studios. Some of the most reliable names who work behind the scenes like Bose Oshin, Baba Agba and Queen Martins were on hand to give details on the realities of filming in Nigeria.

This was followed by a keynote conversation facilitated by Forde Pro on the role of technology and strategic partnerships in getting African content on the global scene. Panelists included Judith Audu (Just Not Married), Don Omope (Tatu, The Wedding Party) and Nadia Denton, curator of the British Council’s Film Connects programme.

The Canon Basic DSLR Filmmaking training and talent workshop for young students facilitated by Leke Alabi-Isama commenced at the Afrinolly space in Oregun, Ikeja. So did the acting and screenplay workshops headlined by Hilda Dokubo and Victor Sanchez-Aghahowa respectively.

Multiple film screenings were divided across two venues - Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, The Palms, Oniru and Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island. Highlight of the day was the world premiere of Kenneth Gyang’s anticipated new film, ‘The Lost Café’, a collaboration between Nigeria and Norway, starring Tunde Aladese and Ann Njemanze among others.

At the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, a series of short films, including ones by student filmmakers were screened, dealing with various aspects of the African reality. Richard Odilu’s ‘Oreva’ highlights mental illness and its tragic consequences on a family. ‘Still Water Runs Deep’ examines toxic masculinity while ‘The Mob’ (from Ghana) teases the aftermath of a suspected same sex relationship. ‘Visions’, an experimental collaborative anthology from the trio of Abba T. Makama, CJ Obasi and Michael Omonua was also screened.

The quirky Ghanaian marital relations drama ‘Keteke’ (Train) directed by Peter Sedufia and starring Lydia Forson and Adjetey Anang was screened, as well as Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Roti’, a feature length on the subject of reincarnation which the acclaimed director made in collaboration with Africa Magic.

Over at Silverbird cinemas, the line-up of shorts and student shorts screened included ‘Yemoja: Rise of the Orisha’, an interrogation of identity and importance of finding self, ‘Zawaja Gali’ (Marriage is expensive) explores traditional practices revolving around the ceremony of marriage in African societies while ‘Chicha’, from Cameroon deals with the consequences of actions taken.

‘Faulty’ hinges its plot on male pride while the documentary, ‘Les Sauteurs’, a collaboration between Senegal and Denmark is a timely take on immigrants and the perils they must face in search of a better life.

Asurf Oluseyi’s ‘Hakkunde’, screening in competition stars Kunle Idowu as a young Nigerian man who leaves the city of Lagos, bullied by his elder sister and finds his way to Kaduna, where he gets a new lease on life.

The Africa International Film Festival is an annual weeklong, all-encompassing world class showcase running from 29, October to 4, November 2017.

About 200 carefully curated feature lengths, shorts, documentaries and student films will be screened this year. The festival also encompasses talent development classes, industry workshops and inspiring creative discussions.

The festival is sponsored by Access Bank and supported by the Institut Francaise, British Council, Africa Magic, Air France, AfriNolly, Accelerate TV, Genesis Deluxe Cinema, and Silverbird Cinemas among others.

THE BEAUTY OF FILM MAKING AT THE 14th ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The 14th Abuja International Film Festival with the theme Film as a tool for national security and patriotism was recently concluded in the federal capital territory of Nigeria, Abuja. The event featured screening of movies, awards, exhibitions, talent campus, seminars and workshops.
Movies were nominated into different categories and winners by experts by a panel of experts.

The opening night film was  from Nigerian Filmmaker Tunji Bamishigbin’s “The Verdict” at the silverbird cinemas Abuja.  It also showcased a fashion runway with 5 fashion houses showcasing the best of Nigerian contemporary designs.

According to Temitope Duker, the Newly appointed Festival Director of the Abuja International Film Festival, the theme of the festival which is FILM AS A TOOL FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND PATRIOTISM reflects the mood of the nation at the moment and there is a need for filmmakers to begin to imbibe the notion of patriotism in their films and this can only be achieved by their understanding that film as a potent role to play in the patriotism and nations security of any nation.

The festival also had in attendance several notable Nollywood Filmmakers like Segun Arinze, Francis Duru, Zack Orji, Sani Danja, Andy Amenechi, Paul Obazele , Dickson Iroegbu, Charles Novia, Recently Elected AGN President Emeka Rollas amongst others several others. Also from the Diplomatic mission was the Chinese Cultural Attache Mr. Li Xung, Miss Wang, The US Embassy In Abuja Cultural Officer Mr. Lawrence Socha, The Chairman NDDC Senator Victor Ndoma Egba Represented by his Special Adviser Media, The Executive Director National Film and Video Censors Board Mr. Adedayo Thomas, the Managing Director Of Nigerian Film Corporation Mr Chidia Maduekwe Represented by Mrs. Halima Oyelade.

The Festival also has a large array of films including the American Film Showcase which will feature 5 documentaries from the United States amongst the films on parade. There is also a masterclass to be facilitated by Katrin Hoffman the producer of the film “IF PROJECT” one of the documentaries on the American film showcase line up.  The workshops will be on Commercial Film Production for independent filmmakers.


The Festival ended on Friday 13tth of October with the Award ceremony where the Winning films in fifteen selected categories went home with the awards for the 14th Abuja International Film Festival.

Special recognition awards were also conferred on some eminent Nigerians who have in one way or the other supported the industry or the nation based on the theme of the festival. Some of the awardees include the Governors of Kano and Cross River State; Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and Prof Ben Ayade respectively, The Chief Of Army Staff Lt. General Tukur Buratai and the Chairman of NDDC Senator Victor Ndoma Egba  all the area of their contributions to security. 

Responding to our inquiries on the number of Films, Fidelis Duker the Founder and Former Festival Director of the Festival said the number of films this year at 3786 films is unprecedented for an African film festival and we are excited that sustainability is no more an issue with the festival as it has come to stay and the flagship of festivals in Nigeria and west Africa, 

Below is the list of winners

OFFICIAL WINNERS OF 14TH ABUJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
1.    BEST DOCUMENTARY
WINNER: THE PRIDE AND THE GLORY OF NIGERIA –NIGERIA

2.    BEST ANIMATION
WINNER: ROSE HOUSE – CHINA

3.    BEST EXPERIMENTAL
WINNER: REMU – NIGERIA – PIXJAY IMAGES

4.    BEST FEATURE FILM:  FOREIGN
WINNER: WOLF TOTEM – CHINA

5.    BEST FEATURE: INDIGENOUS
WINNER: THE WOMEN –BLESSING EFFIONG EGBE

6.    BEST SHORT FILM: NIGERIA   
WINNER: THE MECHANIC – NIGERIA

7.    BEST SHORT FILM:  FOREIGN
WINNER: GHETTO SITUATIONS – SOUTH AFRICA –

8.    OUTSTANDING COMIC FILM
WINNER: EXCESS LUGGAGE – NIGERIA
    
9.    BEST STUDENT FILM
WINNER: ABUJA TAXI – NIGERIA – KRIS MOK

10.    OUTSTANDING MALE ACTOR
WINNER: RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO- THREE WISE MEN


11.    OUTSTANDING FEMALE ACTRESS
TANA ADELANA – PURPLE HEARTS

12.    OUTSTANDING IN FILM DIRECTING
ANDY AMENECHI – PURPLE HEARTS – NIGERIA

13.    OUTSTANDING MUSIC SCORE
WINNER: BLOGGERS WIFE- NIGERIA

14.    GOLDEN JURY FILM
WINNER: THE MASTER – CHINA

15.    AIFF AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
WINNER: BEHIND THE WHEELS – STANLEY OHIKHUARE NIGERIA

​AHBEAWARDS 2017: DA GRIN, E-SIR, BISI OLATILO, TADE OGIDAN OTHERS TO BE HONOURED

In a few days, the American city of Houston, Texas, will pulsate and heave as it plays host to the stars and stake holders of African entertainment, celebrities and lovers of arts as the third edition of the Afro-Heritage Broadcasting & Entertainment Awards, AHBEA, holds. Not wavering in their tradition of honoring and celebrating late and living African entertainers, the AHBEA, in the posthumous category, will this year honor two young artistes; Issah Mmari Wangui popularly known as E-Sir from Kenya and Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun popularly known as DaGrin; both of who died in their prime. 

According to the organizing team, the two artistes were chosen after painstaking debates and researches into the many names submitted. “The similarity between the late iconic entertainers is that they both had a grip on the entertainment scene in their respective countries and indeed, the continent, briefly as it were; and they were both adored alive and in death for being strong influences on their home-grown pop culture,” a statement from the AHBEA team declared. Sadly, both died in the same manner; car crash. DaGrin was 22years old when he died April 23rd, 2010, after running into a stationery truck days earlier. He came into renown for his deft rap skills and word play and crossing indigenous rap over to the mainstream of Nigerian music. His debut album, CEO (Chief Executive Omoita), was a monster hit that earmarked him for greatness. But that was not to be. A film of his life entitled Ghetto Dreams was released in April 2011. 

On his part, E-sir was only 21 when he bowed out March 16th, 2003. In his native Kenya, he rode the hip hop music scene like a colossus on the strength of his youthfulness, lyrical ability and command of the Swahili language. The phenomenal popularity of his music disproved the myth that Kenyan music could never compete with hip hop. Even long after his death, he is still widely regarded as one of the best rappers to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene. Several years after, music lovers still ponder on what could have become of his career had he lived long.

Apart from the two posthumous awardees, the AHBEA will honor and celebrate Nigerian filmmaker, Tade Ogidan; legendary Kenyan actor, Raymond Ofula; ageless Nigerian actress, Binta Ayo Mogaji; and Kenyan sultry actress, Ruth Maingi. Committed to connecting African stars and cultures through the yearly event, the 2017 event will equally witness the celebration and honoring of a Nigerian investor and promoter of festivals and cultural events throughout Africa and beyond.

GAC MOTOR HANDS OVER THE 11M NAIRA GS4 CAR PRIZE TO THE WINNER OF THE VOICE NIGERIA

It was a moment of pride, dreams come true and believe in the system for all that witnessed the amazing handing over ceremony of the car prize to the star winner of "The Voice Nigeria" at the Head quarters of the CIG motor office makers of GAC fleet of cars in Victoria Island Lagos Nigeria.

A well attended event with the media, celebrities and well wishers turned out to be almost another singing competition as the winner gave almost all his speech as a song which kept the crowd amazed at his talent and singing ability. The Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Mrs Diana Who is also the representative of GAC Motor, couldn't stop asking for more as the sound of the new waves composed a song for the sleek, classy and all new GS4 GAC motors which was eventually handed over to Mr Daniel Diongoli popularly known as Idyl.

There was lot to eat and drink after the amazing Event and the management and staff of CIG Motors made it such a beauty of an event, one we would not forget so easily.

Story by Andrew Ohio
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