Showing posts with label AFRIFF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AFRIFF. Show all posts

Friday, November 3, 2023

AFRIFF'S Closing Night: Breath of Life with Prime Video


AFRIFF's Closing Night: 'Breath of Life' with Prime Video"🎥

AFRIFF in Partnership with Prime Video to close the 12th Edition with BB Sasore’s Inspirational movie Breath of Life.

November 3, 2023,

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has announced Breath of Life, an inspirational story about life and destiny as its closing night movie. The selection made known by AFRIFF’s Founder & Festival Director, Chioma Ude, aligns with the organiser’s bid to promote more indigenous movies to a global audience that will grace the festival’s closing night hosted in partnership with Prime Video in Lagos, Nigeria. 

Written and directed by BB Sasore and produced by Eku Edewor, Breath of Life portrays the story of a former clergyman who loses everything he holds dear including his faith and goes on a journey of self-transformation when his life is taken over by his Christian houseboy. The film spotlights veterans and key characters led by Wale Ojo, Sam Dede, Tina Mba and Eku Edewor. Others include Chimezie Imo, Genoveva Umeh, Ademola Adedoyin, and Chidozie Nzeribe. 

Speaking on the movie selection as a choice for the closing night, Director and Screenwriter, BB Sasore said:

“Breath of Life is a testimony to how a person’s cause in life can change in the twinkling of an eye. It speaks to living a life of purpose and the need for it to be fulfilled. We believe AFRIFF and Prime Video audiences will enjoy the film and learn from the character’s experiences”.  

Breath of Life launches globally on Prime Video on December 15th, as part of the streaming platform's effort to showcase Nollywood at its best, by telling authentic homegrown stories in a range of genres to Prime Video customers around the world. The film highlights the story of a man who has lost his sense of purpose until an encounter with a young man who changes his life and destiny.

Breath of Life is produced by Nemsia Films co-founded by Derin Adeyokunnu and BB Sasore. The movie which is set in the 1950s was shot in Nigeria’s historic city of Ibadan.

Signed

Latasha Ngwube

Director PR & Media

for AFRIFF 2023

ABOUT AFRIFF

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an international film showcase in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos. It presents a complete immersion into the world of filmmaking with participation from all over Africa and the Diaspora. Founded in 2010 by Ms Chioma Ude, an ardent film lover and entrepreneur, the festival is positioned to be the biggest annual appointment for African filmmakers in the region, celebrating the best African films and stories.

Our programming is themed around African films, filmmakers and African cinematic impulses making the rounds in the international film circuit in categories such as feature, shorts, student shorts, documentary and animation.

Africa International Film festival - AFRIFF

Ornife Legacy Place, 8 Professor Gabriel Olusanya Street, 105102, Lekki

+234 7033330439 I www.afrff.com I info@afriff.com I www.twitter.com/afriff I www.instagram.com/Afriff

www.facebook.com/Afriff I www.facebook.com/groups/Afriff I www.youtbe.com/c/AfricaFilmFest AFRIFF


Monday, October 30, 2023

AFRIFF 2023 Unveils a Stellar Jury for an Exceptional Year in African Storytelling


AFRIFF 2023 Unveils a Stellar Jury for An exceptional Year in African Storytelling.

AFRIFF 2023 Jury Announcement: Elevating African Storytelling to New Heights! 🎥

They Cloned Tyrone producer Stephen 'Dr.' Love to serve as Jury President.



Lagos, October 30, 2023 - 

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has announced jury members for its 12th edition, scheduled for November 5 to 11, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria.

After receiving over 2,000 films from more than 100 countries across 5 continents during its call for submission, the jury has selected over 100 films and is now tasked with issuing their choice of finalists for the AFRIFF Globe Awards. The jury composition, a study in excellence in global filmmaking and expertise in the African film business, is headlined by Stephen Dr Love, producer of one of Netflix's most-viewed movies of the year, They Cloned Tyrone, with Nigerian-British actor John Boyega in the lead, veteran US actor Jamie Foxx (Ray, Django Unchained), Julliard-graduate Teyonah Parish (Chi-Raq, Candyman).

Stephen ‘Dr.’ Love is joined by Emmy-nominated Nigerian-British writer-producer Abby Ajayi (How to Get Away with Murder, Inventing Anna); Nigerian film producer Greg Otudayo; Zimbabwean award-winning author and winner of the 2023 African Peace Prize Tsitsi Dangaremgba; and Lebanese French actress and director Wafa’a Céline Halawi. Others include Geneva Wasserman, entertainment and technology expert and SVP of Scripted Development at Dentsu, the Japanese media juggernaut; Cuban-American film producer and Afro-Latino voices in film mentor Ranada Shepard; renowned Hollywood producer and Head of Inventions Studios, Nicholas Weinstock; multi-talented film acquisition expert and Head of Content at MultiChoice, Busola Temujola; Nollywood royalty and seasoned actress Kate Henshaw; and Nigerian economist and filmmaker Desmond Elliott.

This edition will be significant after the 2022 edition, where Disney’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Amazon’s Nanny, Sundance Grand Jury Prize, opened the festival.  Paramount, Amazon, Disney, Netflix, Showmax, Mediawan, DStv, Dentsu, the African Union, Canal Plus, Afreximbank and a host of global industry stakeholders attended to offer further opportunities to sustain the growth of the African creative industry.

The international jury will award 14 Globe Awards to the most outstanding films in the programme.

Signed

AFRIFF

https://www.afriff.com/register


­ABOUT AFRIFF

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an international film showcase in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos. It presents a complete immersion into the world of filmmaking with participation from all over Africa and the Diaspora. Founded in 2010 by Ms Chioma Ude, an ardent film lover and entrepreneur, the festival is positioned to be the biggest annual appointment for African filmmakers in the region, celebrating the best African films and stories.

Our programming is themed around African films, filmmakers and African cinematic impulses making the rounds in the international film circuit in categories such as feature, shorts, students' shorts, documentary films and animations.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

ORAH is the Opening Film of the 12th Annual Africa International Film Festival in Nigeria


Announcing the Opening Film: ORAH Opens AFRIFF 2023🎥

AFRIFF to open 12th Edition with Lonzo Nzekwe’s Powerful Crime Thriller ORAH  in keeping with the Festival’s Theme on “Indigenous 2.0 Global



October 26, 2023

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has announced its 12th edition, happening from the 5th to the 11th of 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria. In keeping with the festival's tradition, AFRIFF’s Founder and Festival Director, Chioma Ude, has announced the film ORAH as its opening night movie, a bold step to drive home its theme for the 2023 edition of Indigenous 2.0 Global before the participating Nigerian and international movie enthusiasts who will grace the festival’s annual opening gala night.

ORAH is written and directed by acclaimed Nigerian/Canadian filmmaker Lonzo Nzekwe (Anchor Baby). Produced by Nzekwe, Floyd Kane (Diggstown), and Amos Adetuyi (The Boathouse), the film was shot in Canada and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in late 2022. Speaking in anticipation of the Festival,  Chioma Ude said,

“Filmmaking is evolving rapidly in Africa, with Nigeria at the forefront of the renaissance, and this year’s edition is designed to continue to reiterate the opportunities for African films and storytelling to reflect ‘global’ perspectives for the sustained success of more local films globally. We intend to continue to empower our storytellers to explore ideologies and techniques that connect with a larger global audience. ORAH is positioned as the open-night movie to drive this expectation.” 

A character-driven crime thriller, Orah showcases the story of a female taxi driver in Toronto embarking on a revenge tour to avenge the death of her son, who is brutally murdered by a high-profile Nigerian criminal in a drug trafficking operation. Starring Oyin Oladejo as Orah Madukaku (Star Trek: Discovery), additional cast members include Lucky Onyekachi Ejim (Kim’s Convenience) as Bami Hazar; Agape Mngomezulu as Tariq Hazar (The Parker Andersons); Morgan Bedard (Hard Rock Medical) as Eli Pope; Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama (Titans) as Lace; Oris Erhuero (We Were Once) as Agent Garuba; O.C. Ukeje (Brotherhood) as Agent Uche Odi; Femi Lawson (Because We Are) as Jimoh Sholola; and Christopher Seivright (Take Note) as Vincent Bailey.

Developed over the course of 11 years, director and screenwriter Lonzo Nzekwe was “very grateful to finally begin shooting with the talented cast and crew assembled and honoured to be able to shoot part of the film in Nigeria, which plays such a key role,” he shared during principal photography. In Nzekwe’s words, I set out to create a tragically gripping and gratifying crime thriller with a gritty look that gives the audience a visceral, authentic experience of the life of our hero and her journey to avenge the death of her son. The exceptional talent of the actors cast in each role truly brings the story to life.

Not only does the script offer a strong and smart female role model in the lead role, but the supporting characters are well-rounded with traits of real, everyday people drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. I hope that ORAH’s themes of justice versus revenge, redemption, freedom, corruption, and family separation will have a lasting impact on its viewers and inspire them in a positive way. As a Nigerian-born Canadian filmmaker, I felt I was uniquely qualified to tell this story of an illegal immigrant who was smuggled into Canada and sold into sex trafficking at age 15 by her uncle.

The film was shot in and around Sudbury, Ontario, in the fall of 2022, with additional principal photography taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2022. With cinematography for ORAH by Ricardo Diaz (Subjects of Desire), production design by Mark Kowalsky (Frat Pack), costume design by Chantel Bedward (Stupid For You), editing by Marc Roussel (Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities), and music by Felipe Téllez (Tomorrow).

ORAH is produced by Circle Blue Entertainment and Freddie Films in association with IronFlix Inc., with the participation of Telefilm Canada, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), and ONCreates Film Fund. Level Film is the Canadian distributor.

Signed

Latasha Ngwube

Director PR & Media

for AFRIFF 2023

ABOUT AFRIFF

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an international film showcase in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos. It presents a complete immersion into the world of filmmaking with participation from all over Africa and the Diaspora. Founded in 2010 by Ms Chioma Ude, an ardent film lover and entrepreneur, the festival is positioned to be the biggest annual appointment for African filmmakers in the region, celebrating the best African films and stories.

Our programming is themed around African films, filmmakers and African cinematic impulses making the rounds in the international film circuit in categories such as feature, shorts, student shorts, documentary and animation.


Monday, October 23, 2023

Official Selection of the 12th Annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)


AFRIFF 2023 Official Selection


Narrative Features

​IN COMPETITION  

Cameroon 


Kuvah - Legend of The Sea | Directed by  Max Ngassa |  Duration 01:50:00  |  Year 2023

Canada

The Founder Effect | Directed by  Justin MacGregor  |  Duration 01:51:00  |  Year 2023

Orah | Directed by  Lonzo Nzekwe | Duration 01:36:00  |  Year 2023

Germany

4 Days to Eternity  | Directed by  Konstantin Korenchuk and Simon Pilarski |  Duration 01:47:38  |  Year 2021

Ghana

Dynamite  | Directed by  Uche Aguh  |  Duration 01:00:00  |  Year 2023

Morocco 

Triple A | Directed by Jihane El Bahar  |  Duration 01:56:00  |  Year 2023

Namibia 

Under the Hanging Tree | Directed by Perivi Katjavivi  |  Duration 01:33:00  |  Year 2022

Nigeria

Afamefuna | Directed by Kayode Kasum |  Duration 02:05:24  |  Year 2023

Finding Odera | Directed by Charles Uwagbai  |  Duration 01:59:46  |  Year 2022

Tarella: Princess of the Nile | Directed by Lolo Eremie and Kayode Kasum |  Duration 01:47:10  |  Year 2023

Kanaani | Directed by Tola Olatunji  |  Duration 01:55:50  |  Year 2023

All  the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White | Directed by Babatunde Apalowo  (Nigeria)   |  Duration 01:32:47  |  Year 2023

Black Harvest | Directed by James Amuta  |  Duration 01:31:19  |  Year 2023

This is Lagos | Directed by Kenneth Gyang  |  Duration 01:31:02  |  Year 2023

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti | Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters  |  Duration 01:31:00  |  Year 2023

A Green Fever | Directed by Taiwo Egunjobi   |  Duration 01:25:15  |  Year 2023

I Do Not Come to You by Chance | Directed by  Ishaya Bako  |  Duration 01:40:00  |  Year 2023

Tanzania 

Eonii | Directed by Eddie Mzale  |  Duration 01:21:55 |  Year 2023

Uganda

Tembele | Directed by Mugisha Herbert Morris, Agaba Joan  |  Duration 01:15:00 |  Year 2022

United Kingdom


A Song from the Dark | Directed by  Ogo Okpue  (UK)  |  Duration 01:43:00  |  Year 2022

United States of America


Rise | Directed by  Maritte Lee Go  (USA)  |  Duration 01:31:00  |  Year 2022

Our Father, The Devil - Mon père, le diable | Directed by  Elie Foumbi  (USA)  |  Duration 01:48:00  |  Year 2022


OUT OF COMPETITION 

Belgium


Le Voyage de Talia - Talia's Journey | Directed by Christophe Rolin  | Duration 01:19:00  | Year 2022  

Cameroon

Nganu | Directed by Kang Quintus  | Duration 01:42:07  | Year 2023 

Canada

Intersection | Directed by  Cecilia Araneda  | Duration 01:38:16  | Year 2022 

Kipkemboi | Directed by  Charles Uwagbai  | Duration  01:29:44  | Year  2023  

When Morning Comes |  Directed by Kelly Fyffe-Marshall  | Duration  01:29:58 | Year 2023 

Morocco

Polygamous |  Directed by Zakaria Zahrani  | Duration  01:22:56 | Year 2022

Nigeria

Onyeegwu |  Directed by Uche Jombo  | Duration  01:42:18 | Year 2023

Scar |  Directed by Chris Eneaji  | Duration  01:41:05 | Year 2023

Offshoot |  Directed by Steve Ayeny  | Duration  02:07:06 | Year 2023 

The Rising Sun |  Directed by Bakia Thomas  | Duration  01:52:09 | Year 2023 

Over the Bridge |  Directed by Tolulope Ajayi  | Duration  01:46:00 | Year 2022  

Mojisola |  Directed by Kenneth Gyang | Duration  01:45:12 | Year 2023

United Kingdom


What No One Knows |  Directed by Adeoluwa Owu | Duration  02:04:00 | Year 2023 

United States of America


Misnomer |  Directed by Chaz Munthali | Duration  01:56:00 | Year 2023 


International Features 

IN COMPETITION 

Brazil


Port-au-Prince | Directed by  Maria Emília De Azevedo   |  Duration 01:30:00  |  Year 2023

Germany

The Beginning of My New Life | Directed by  Joél Sansi   |  Duration 01:28:00  |  Year 2023

Kazakhstan

Brothers | Directed by  Darkhan Tulegenov  |  Duration 01:40:00  |  Year 2022

Macedonia

The Business of Pleasure | Directed by  Goce Cvetanovski  |  Duration 01:36:55  |  Year 2023


Documentary Features

IN COMPETITION 

Botswana


Nkashi: Race for the Okavango  | Directed by Sarah Joseph  | Duration 01:11:00 | Year  2023

India 

My Radio My Life | Directed by  Bidit Roy, Makarand Waikar |  Duration 01:08:00 |  Year 2023

Nigeria 

Green: The Amazons | Directed by Oluchi Mary Nsofor, Charles Solomon  | Duration  02:30:00 | Year 2022 

Loot and the Lost Kingdoms of Africa | Directed by Bibi Shasore | Duration 01:39:00 | Year 2023

This Your Lagos | Directed by Wale Ojo | Duration 01:10:00 | Year 2023

South Africa


Lobola, A Bride's True Price? | Directed by Sihle Hlophe | Duration 01:35:00 | Year 2022

Music Is My Life - Joseph Shabalala and LadySmith Black Mambazo  | Directed by  Mpumi Supa Mbele, Carolyn Eileen Carew  | Duration 01:30:00 | Year 2022

United Kingdom


White Nanny Black Child | Directed by Andy Mundy-Castle | Duration 01:20:00 | Year 2023


OUT OF COMPETITION 

Canada


AFRICA, Cradle of Humankind and Modern Civilizations  | Directed by Benita Jacques  | Duration 01:49:00  | Year 2022 

Germany

The Homes We Carry | Directed by Brenda Akele Jorde  | Duration 01:29:00  | Year 2022 

Senegal

Doxandem, The Dream Chasers | Directed by Saliou Sarr  | Duration 01:28:00  | Year 2023

United States of America 

Dusty & Stones | Directed by Jesse Rudoy | Duration  01:24:00 | Year  2022


Documentary Short Showcase 

OUT OF COMPETITION 

Cape Verde


Sumara Maré  | Directed by Samira Vera-Cruz  | Duration 00:08:00  | Year 2023

Kenya

Bahari Yetu | Directed by Jahawi Bertolli  | Duration 00:10:52  | Year 2020 

South Africa


Beyond The Fence | Directed by Tessa Barlin | Duration 00:11:32  | Year 2020 | Country

Phefumla - Breathe | Directed by Maishe Mosala | Duration 00:10:00  | Year 2020

Ulwandle Lushile - Meeting the Tides | Directed by Tembisa Jordaan | Duration 00:09:53  | Year 2020

Hluleka| Directed by Jamila Janna | Duration 00:09:08  | Year 2020

Pango| Directed by Tami Jacobs | Duration 00:08:45  | Year 2020 


Shorts

IN COMPETITION 

Cameroon

A Cry From the Forest | Directed by Lynno Sinte  | Duration 00:44:14 | Year  2022

Germany

Mängata | Directed by Maja Costa  | Duration 00:15:38 | Year  2023

Kenya

Pause for Reflection | Directed by Mark Maina Maingi  | Duration 00:14:30 | Year  2023

Nigeria

Until 23 | Directed by Chioma Paul-Dike | Duration 00:30:00 | Year  2023

Dreams | Directed by Chioma Paul-Dike | Duration 00:17:46 | Year  2023

Broken Mask | Directed by Khago Idhebor | Duration 00:17:44 | Year  2023

With Love From Bayelsa | Directed by Patrick Dauduokumor | Duration 00:29:38 | Year  2023

The Major | Directed by Chukwuka Ndife | Duration 00:16:24 | Year  2023

Okem | Directed by Joshua Okwuosa | Duration 00:14:56  | Year  2022

Gita Boy | Directed by Toye Aru | Duration 00:11:09 | Year  2023

UME (Breathe) | Directed by Faustina Okomayin | Duration 00:10:37 | Year  2023

Siege | Directed by Aniee Essien | Duration 00:09:32 | Year  2023

South Africa 

Malaika | Directed by Abongile Ntsatha | Duration 00:27:17 | Year  2023

Uganda 

Building 62 | Directed by Hakim Zziwa | Duration 00:32:21 | Year  2023

United Kingdom


Journey Mercies | Directed by Tomisin Adepeju | Duration 00:14:56 | Year  2023

United States of America


Chidera | Directed by Sope Aluko | Duration 00:17:55 | Year  2023

Nzu | Directed by Conscian Morgan | Duration 00:08:26 | Year  2023


OUT OF COMPETITION 

Ghana


Take Back the Night  | Directed by Elvis Damptey  | Duration 00:20:00  | Year 2023 

Japan

The Old Young Crow  | Directed by Liam LoPinto  | Duration 00:12:00  | Year 2023 

Kenya

Seems Like Old Times  | Directed by Ochieng Oneko  | Duration 00:11:44  | Year 2023

Mauritania

Enmity Djinn  | Directed by Mohamed Echkouna  | Duration 00:19:27  | Year 2023 

Nigeria

Pastor and Pastor  | Directed by Susan Jimah  | Duration 00:40:00  | Year 2023 

Oriaku | Directed by Esse Akwawa | Duration 00:36:01  | Year 2023  

Yours Forever | Directed by Michael Kpoudosu | Duration 00:34:39  | Year 2023 

Jacob's Crib | Directed by Andrea Peregrino | Duration 00:09:42  | Year 2023

Onome | Directed by Prosper Edesiri Arhawho | Duration 00:08:50  | Year 2022 

Tì ẹ ńbò ̣ | Directed by Chinazaekpere Chukwu | Duration 00:05:00  | Year 2023

If Walls Could Talk | Directed by Mathew Cerf, Mohammed Zanna | Duration 00:27:53  | Year 2023 

A Little Bit of Music | Directed by Mide Badmus | Duration 00:27:55  | Year 2022 

Baby Bush | Directed by Aniefiok Ufot-Ekpo | Duration 00:26:13  | Year 2023

Bring Me Flowers | Directed by Prince Daniel | Duration 00:23:08  | Year 2023 

Noise of Silence | Directed by Isaiah Peter-Nelson | Duration 00:22:52  | Year 2023

A Moment's Peace | Directed by Abiodun Martins-Odu | Duration 00:22:20  | Year 2023 

Intruders | Directed by Bryan Dike | Duration 00:22:19  | Year 2022 

Dangerous Hope | Directed by Uyoyou Adia, Judith Audu | Duration 00:20:00  | Year 2022 

Dear Men | Directed by Damilola Adeyeri | Duration 00:18:18  | Year 2023

Chez Dr. Bello | Directed by Badewa Ajibade | Duration 00:18:04  | Year 2023 

Harmattan | Directed by Musiwa Awosika | Duration 00:17:14  | Year 2023 

Swipe Left | Directed by Terver Malu | Duration 00:15:21  | Year 2023 

Bege | Directed by Umar Turaki | Duration 00:14:14  | Year 2023 

Ndeeri | Directed by Horia Manuvor Jr. | Duration 00:11:30  | Year 2022 

United Kingdom


Queen of The Sea | Directed by Kate Cox  | Duration 00:11:14  | Year 2023

United States of America


Mr. Bold  | Directed by Aiman Mimiko  | Duration 00:14:14  | Year 2023

New Day Mr. E  | Directed by Conphidance  | Duration 00:11:38  | Year 2023


Animation

IN COMPETITION

Germany


The Heaviest Order | Directed by Peter Böving  | Duration 00:10:00 | Year  2023

Ghana

Asantewaa | Directed by Jesse Sunkwa-Mills  | Duration 00:10:00 | Year  2022

Nigeria

Gammy & The Living Things  | Directed by Henry Amrevurayire  | Duration 00:59:00 | Year  2023

When Hearts Touch | Directed by Nkem Andrea Denchukwu  | Duration 00:40:00 | Year  2022

Ajaka: Lost In Rome | Directed by Ayodele Elegba  | Duration 00:20:00 | Year  2023

Ewa - Beans | Directed by Kiitan Durosinmi-Etti  | Duration 00:13:00 | Year  2023

Moji | Directed by Benjamin Olufemi  | Duration 00:08:45 | Year  2023


OUT OF COMPETITION 

Cameroon


Hekima ya Usawa | Directed by Telly Gary Jeannot  | Duration 00:01:47  | Year 2023

Germany

Nirvana  | Directed by Faeze Sepehrsadeghian  | Duration 00:03:54  | Year 2023 

India

Paperplanes  | Directed by Arvind Singh Jeena  | Duration 00:06:52  | Year 2022 

Netherlands

Ex, Why?  | Directed by Kanso Ogbulu  | Duration 00:13:55  | Year 2022 

Nigeria

Haske  | Directed by Jesimiel Bello  | Duration 00:08:12  | Year 2022 

Detective Jacqueline: Babushka  | Directed by Jonathan Oyiriaru  | Duration 00:06:46  | Year 2022 

The Chi Chi Dollars Misadventures  | Directed by Chidinma Kanebi  | Duration 00:04:15  | Year 2023 

A Sunday Mukuto Story  | Directed by Nurudeen Momodu  | Duration 00:05:38  | Year 2023 

United States of America


A Cow in the Sky  | Directed by Darren Press  | Duration 00:12:17  | Year 2023 


Students Shorts 

IN CCOMPETITION

Central African Republic


At Age 45 | Directed by Prunuelle Sakofio  | Duration 00:20:26 | Year  2023

Goura| Directed by Ismaëli Nzoba  | Duration 00:20:01 | Year  2023

Kenya


Red Flag | Directed by Evelyn Diana  | Duration 00:23:49 | Year  2023

Nigeria

Man and Masquerades  | Directed by Adekunle Blue  | Duration 00:18:00 | Year  2023

United States of America


Ebezina  | Directed by Ifeanyi Ezieme  | Duration 00:13:23 | Year  2023


OUT OF COMPETITION 

Nigeria


Isa's Dream | Directed by Kuchi Chris  | Duration 00:29:55  | Year 2023 

Full Circle  | Directed by FReginald Jumbo  | Duration 00:09:59  | Year 2023 

We Have Rat  | Directed by Nkemlu Lisabel  | Duration 00:08:20  | Year 2022 

About AFRIFF

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is the largest annual film festival in Africa, dedicated to showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing emerging talent. With a diverse range of films from across the continent, AFRIFF provides a platform for cultural exchange and celebrates the rich heritage of African storytelling.

Source
https://www.afriff.com/officialselection

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Lagos State Government To Build A Film City in Epe

What is a Film City? 

Film City means an integrated studio complex spread over a minimum of ten acres area that provides the physical facilities required for film making, including providing the flexibility to use the outdoor spaces for shooting purposes. It may be used as a popular tourist spot, recreation centre featuring many natural & artificial attractions including gardens, landscapes, amusement parks, statues, miniatures, streets, hotels, restaurants, Art Gallery, Museum, Hospital and shopping destinations. It may also include the development of peripheral infrastructure such as hotels, food & beverage establishments and retail areas including merchandise stalls to diversify the revenue composition;(xxxviii) “Food Processing Sector” means a sector comprising enterprises engaged in such manufacturing processes in which raw product of agriculture, animal husbandry or fisheries is transformed to make it edible for human consumption;(xxxix) “Gems & Jewellery Sector” means a sector comprising enterprises engaged in manufacturing of handmade or machine-made jewellery or other articles of gold, silver and other precious or base metal clad with precious metals or precious or semi-precious stones, or combinations of precious metal and precious or semi- precious stones or other materials;(xl) “Government” means Government of Rajasthan (xli) “Green Building Measures” means process or technology adopted to obtain green rating under Indian Green Building Council;(xlii) “Half-Way-Home” means the establishment registered with any Government Department for the purpose and having facilities of temporary stay for patients who have been discharged from a hospital but frequent consultancy of doctor is required for providing the patients with a safe shelter and rehabilitation;(xliii) “Handicraft Sector” means a sector comprising enterprises engaged in such manufacturing of items or products in which products are produced predominantly by hand with or without mechanical or electrical or other assistance and graced with visual appeal in the nature of ornamentation or in-lay work or some similar work lending it an element of artistic improvement. Such ornamentation must be of a substantial nature and not a mere pretence;(xliv) “Hilly Area” means an area which is notified as such by the State Government in the Finance Department by an order;(xlv) “Industrial Gases Sector” means a sector comprising enterprises engaged in manufacturing of gases for use in industries, excluding poisonous"

 https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/film-city#:~:text=City%C2%A0means,industries%2C%20excluding%20poisonous

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated that the Lagos State government will build a large scale Africam film city of 100 hectares in Epe at the cost of US$100 million. He told the guests and the news media as he hosted the programme announcement for the 12th annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Lagos State House on the Marina. 

Ms. Chioma Ude, the Founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF commended the laudable visionary leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu in the capacity development of Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry. 

Lagos is the capital of Nollywood and the entertainment industry in Nigeria, the biggest contributor to making Nollywood the largest film industry in Africa and among the fastest growing film industries in the world.

A report from PwC projects that the fast-growing industry will generate $14.8 billion revenue in 2025. The industry revenue is expected to rise from $7.7 billion in 2021 to $9 billion in 2022, $10.7 billion in 2023, $12.6 billion in 2024 and $14.8 billion in 2025. 85% of this revenue will be generated by access to the Internet.

According to PwC’s Global Entertainment and Media Outlook (2020-2024), Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing creative industries in the world. It has the capability to become the country’s greatest export, with projected annual growth rate of 8.6% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3% from 2018-2023.

The Multixept Associates Limited is already building a film city in Epe.

US$100 Million Cannot Build a Film City

US$100 Million is a good investment to kickstart the building of a film city in Lagos by the Lagos State government. But that amount cannot even build a film village.
Lagos State government can start with a feasibility study and a budget of $5 Billion.

The best case study is Hollywood. And another good example is the Mumbai Film City; officially Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, an integrated film studio complex situated near Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Goregaon East, Mumbai. It has several recording rooms, gardens, lakes, theatres and grounds that serve as the venue of many Bollywood and Marathi films. It was built in 1977 by the state government to provide facilities and concessions to the film industry. 

Lagos State government can call the film city in Epe, EKO FILM CITY.

A film city must have a state of the art high tech film studios, world class hotels and cinemas.
One single world class hotel will cost more than S100 million.
The construction of the main access road will cost more than US$100 million for a 21st century film city.
It must be a smart city with IoT.

Private partnership investors will be required by the Lagos State government.
it is best to have a stakeholders forum with local and international investors in the multibillion dollar Nigerian Entertainment Industry, including banks, insurance companies, construction companies and realtors.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
the first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

#Lagos
#Lagosfilmcity
#Nollywood
#filmcity
#studios
#hotel
#filmvillage
#hotels
#investors



Friday, October 6, 2023

AFRIFF and MTN Join Forces To Empower African Filmmakers and Promote Indigenous Content

AFRIFF and MTN Join Forces to Empower African Filmmakers and Promote Indigenous Content



The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking partnership with MTN, the largest telecommunications company in Africa. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the African film industry, opening up new avenues for filmmakers and creating opportunities for the promotion and distribution of indigenous content.

AFRIFF, widely recognized as the largest annual film festival in Africa, has been at the forefront of showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing emerging talent for over a decade. With an impressive array of films submitted each year, the festival has become a beacon of creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange in the African film landscape.

MTN, with its extensive network and largest aggregation of subscribers, is committed to fostering the growth of the African entertainment industry following the indigenous 2.0 theme. This visionary approach seeks to empower African players in the film industry by providing them with unprecedented opportunities for Global  exposure and distribution.

Through this partnership, AFRIFF and MTN aim to bridge the gap between talented African filmmakers and a wider audience. As the streaming landscape is dominated by global streamers. Many deserving films from Africa struggle to find a platform for their voices to be heard. This collaboration will address this critical challenge by offering a dedicated channel where African filmmakers can showcase their work to millions of viewers across the continent.

The benefits of this partnership extend beyond the filmmakers themselves. By amplifying African voices and promoting indigenous content, AFRIFF and MTN will contribute to the preservation and celebration of African culture and stories. This strategic endeavor will create economic opportunities for local talent, boost tourism, and enhance Africa's global reputation as a hub of artistic excellence.

Speaking about the partnership, the Founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude expressed her excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with MTN, a leader in the telecommunications industry. This collaboration will empower African filmmakers, providing them with the means to reach a broader audience and ensuring that their incredible stories are heard. Together, we will redefine the African film landscape and foster the growth of the industry."

Our indigenous 2.0 global aligns perfectly with MTN’s mission, and together, we will unlock the immense potential of African filmmakers. By leveraging our extensive network and resources, we will pave way for a more inclusive and vibrant African content. On her own part, the Chief Digital Officer of MTN, Aisha Umar-Mumuni said: 

“Digital entertainment has become an integral part of our day to day lives, and the growth in the use of smartphones and digital services has compelled the need to provide digital solutions and partner with organizations like AFRIFF, to distribute indigenous African content, making them accessible regardless of geographical locations. And we are well-positioned to lead the charge as the biggest ICT operator in Africa, committed to using technology to promote the continent on the global stage.”

As AFRIFF and MTN embark on this groundbreaking partnership, they invite filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts to join them in this exciting new chapter for African cinema. Together, they will champion the power of storytelling and elevate the voices of African filmmakers to new heights.

About AFRIFF:

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is the largest annual film festival in Africa, dedicated to showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing emerging talent. With a diverse range of films from across the continent, AFRIFF provides a platform for cultural exchange and celebrates the rich heritage of African storytelling.

About MTN:

MTN is the largest telecommunications company in Africa, with a wide-reaching network and the largest aggregation of subscribers. Committed to empowering African players in the entertainment industry.

Saturday, May 13, 2023

International Branding of NOLLYWOOD for the Global Market

 That the phenomenon of Nollywood has gained global recognition is a fact. But Nollywood is still lacking the required structure for competition in the global film industry and lagging behind South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.

I have addressed the shortcomings of Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry measured with the criteria for the international development of a film industry. These shortcomings are why Nigeria is not among the top 10 countries with the biggest film industries in the world.

Top 10 Film Industries 
1. Hollywood Movie Industry
2. Bollywood Film Industry
3. Chinese Cinema
4. United Kingdom of Great Britain
5. Japanese Cinema 
6. Cinema in South Korea
7. France
8. German cinema
9. Australia
10. Mexico

The constant emphasis on the large volume of movies produced annually making Nollywood the second largest producer of movies in the world after the Bollywood of India and ahead of Hollywood of the United States of America is not enough without film commissions and film markets.
Having the largest market is different from having the biggest economy.
South Africa has the biggest film industry in Africa and not Nigeria based on the annual revenues of the film industry from the box office, international co-productions, TV networks, movie merchandise and film tourism.
South Africa has the largest cinemas of the biggest film distribution and exhibition companies in Africa.
South Africa has film commissions which Nigeria does not have.
South Africa has a film market which Nigeria does not have.
South Africa has the biggest cable TV industry in Africa with MultiChoice which Nigeria does not have. 
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is hyped as the largest TV network in Africa, but running a deficit annually and cannot even pay salaries without revenue allocations from the Nigerian government. 
In terms of quality of TV productions, the NTA does not have local content of international standards compared to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) that has been producing content attracting international acquisition and distribution.









The criteria for the international branding of Nollywood for the highly competitive global film industry include the top priorities of having world class international film festivals to attract the participation of the best filmmakers; international co-producers; film acquisition and distribution companies and for the promotions of movie merchandise and film tourism.
Presently among the few film festivals in Nigeria, only the annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is rated as the best international film festival attracting some of the best filmmakers in the world with the potentials of having an international film market like the Durban FilmMart of the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa. 
AFRIFF made international news headlines in November, 2022 for cohosting the African premiere of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever",  the 2022 American superhero film produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

My articles on how Nollywood can make the Nigerian film industry a multibillion dollar film industry through the opportunities for movie merchandise and film tourism have been published and widely circulated online. But the Nigerian government and the private sector are ignorant of the huge economic benefits.

The Global TV and Movie Merchandise Market is forecast to grow by $90.53 Billion during 2022-2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 9.04% during the forecast period.

Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Huayi Brothers, Enlight Media, Lionsgate Films, NBC Universal, Nickelodeon, TOEI COMPANY, Alpha Group, The Walt Disney Company, Twentieth Century Fox and Toho Company are the key copyright owners in the global Movie Merchandise market. The top 5 took up about 66 Percent of the global market. USA is the largest consumption regions of Movie Merchandise in the world in the past few years and it will keep increasing in the next few years. USA market took up about 50 Percent the global market, while Europe was 25 Percent, and China is followed with the share about 6 Percent.

Nigeria has awesome attractions for film tourism which I have been promoting with the publication of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series since 2013 to show the beauty of Nollywood in family friendly books to attract people worldwide. 
My popular article, "The Best Film Locations in Nigeria" has attracted thousands of readers with over 17, 000 readers on TripAdvisor.






Nollywood has attracted Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney and other leading international American film and TV production and streaming companies.

The best film locations in Nigeria should be developed as international tourist attractions like the Obudu Ranch in Cross River State. Holiday resorts and hotels should be built on the locations for filmmakers and tourists.

What is the value of the global film tourism market?

As per a recent market analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the film tourism market is poised to reach a valuation of US$ 66.7 Billion in 2022. Sales are projected to increase at a 6.8% CAGR, with the market size reaching US$ 128.78 Billion by 2032.https://www.accesswire.com/717595/Film-Tourism-Market-is-anticipated-to-increase-at-a-high-CAGR-of-68-during-2022--2032-Future-Market-Insights-Inc

There are models for templates for the international branding of Nollywood for the global film industry which I have shown with the references to South Africa. 


By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
Executive Producer,
Screen Naija YouTube Channel,
Vuulr Program Partner
Cinewav Partner


Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Lagos is Having Two of the Biggest Events in Africa in 2022 from AFRIFF to Techpoint Africa Fintech Summit

Wow!

Eko for Show!

Lagos city is having two of the biggest events in the film industry and fintech industry in Africa in 2022: the annual Africa Iinternational Film Festival (AFRIFF) from November 6-12 at the Landmark Centre on Victoria Island and Techpoint Africa Fintech Summit 2022 on November 26 at Four Points by Sheraton on Victoria Island.



AFRIFF hosted an awesome African premiere of"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" on Sunday night with the physical presence of the famous director, Ryan Coogler and produce Nate Moore with top stars Letitia WrightLupita Nyong’oDanai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Winston Duke and Michaela Coel. 

I was at the Opening Night of AFRIFF on Sunday November 6 and then yesterday I was among those invited by Consul General William B. Stevens of the Consulate of the United States of America in Nigeria to a special reception for AFRIFF in the official residence of the  Consul General in Ikoyi. It was a good event to celebrate the amazing things the beautiful and wonderful Chioma Ude, the Founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF has been doing since launching the most vibrant iinternational film festival on the African continent in 2010.
"AFRIFF has become the biggest international film festival in Africa!" said
Consul General William B. Stevens and we all applauded Chioma.
AFRIFF 2022 is the best and biggest edition so far and giving the best opportunities of all possibilities for success to Nigerian filmmakers and other filmmakers in the rest of Africa.

The invited VIPs included Mr. Donald Duke, the former Governor of Cross River State; Mr. Guy Murray-Bruce, President of the Silverbird Group; Mr. Linus Idahosa, Founder and CEO of the Del-York Group, Hon. Steve Ayorinde, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture and also for Information and Strategy of Lagos State during the tenure of the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Mr. Jahman Anikulapo Oladejo; Co-founder and Executive Director of the annual iREP International Documentary Film Festival; Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Founder of the annual Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA); outstanding filmmakers Kunle Afolayan and Kenneth Gyang among other dignitaries from within Nigeria and from America.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima


Monday, November 7, 2022

"Nanny" is an Awesome Mystical, Paranormal and Surrealistic Horror Movie

 


"Nanny" is an awesome mystical, paranormal and surrealistic horror movie.



Aisha played by the Senegalese American actress and model, Anna Diop, is an undocumented young Senegalese woman working as a nanny for an affluent Manhattan family and she hopes her new job as a nanny will help bring her young son, Lamine to the United States. However, when a violent presence begins to invade both her dreams and reality, it theatens to destroy everything she's fought for. 

The young female director, Nikyatu Jusu is a genius of great imagination which can be seen in the gripping cinematography of this film.  The cinematographer, Rina Yang is a master of cinematic imagery and poetry in motion picture. It was really awesome.

"Nanny" deserved the Grand Jury Prize in the US Dramatic Competition it won at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.

It was a great opening film for the 2022 annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) that started yesterday evening at the FilmHouse Cinemas in the Landmark Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

#Afriff2022 #Nanny #Nigeria #film #nigeria #cinematography #Africa #drama #filmfestival #Sundance


Sunday, November 6, 2022

Special Invitation To Opening Night of AFRIFF 2022

SPECIAL INVITATION

Dear Michael,

We are delighted to invite you to the Opening Night Film Screening of the 11th Edition of The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Sunday, October 30, 2022

AFRIFF 2022 To Host The African Premiere of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"

AFRIFF 2022 To Host The African Premiere of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"

The Walt Disney Company in association with Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and FilmOne Entertainment has officially announced that Nigeria will host the official African premiere of Marvel Studios’ "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" at the AFRIFF 2022.

In a statement by Moses Babatope and Kene Okwuosa, Co-founders of FilmOne Entertainment, official distributors of the movie in English West African territories, said: “Being instrumental to the release of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" in West Africa is a proud achievement and a milestone for us and the entire FilmOne team, it will be celebrated for a long time. We are excited and fully committed to working with The Walt Disney Company to deliver a grand African premiere, even as we channel all our arsenal towards realizing a momentous box-office performance for the title.”

Chioma Ude, the Founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF said: “We are excited and proud to be a part of the premiere of this milestone film here in Africa. This is huge for the continent of Africa as it symbolises to us further bridging the gaps between the global film industries.” 

“We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" to Lagos this November,” said Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager for The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Working closely with our long-term distribution partners FilmOne and this association with AFRIFF, we are anticipating a wonderful celebration with Nigeria’s cinema-goers and Black Panther fans.”

Directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" opens in cinemas from November 11th.

The duration of AFRIFF is from 6-12 November 2022 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Theme: INDIGENOUS FOR GLOBAL

Opening Film: Nanny

Prime Video’s award-winning psychological horror film by Nikyatu Jusu.

“Nanny” stars Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls, Morgan Spector, Rose Decker, and Leslie Uggams. The film follows Aisha (Anna Diop), a woman who recently emigrated from Senegal to West Africa, who is hired to care for the daughter of an affluent couple (Michelle Monaghan and Morgan Spector) living in New York City. Aisha is haunted by the absence of the young son she left behind. Aisha hopes her new job will afford her the chance to bring him to the U.S. but becomes increasingly unsettled by the family’s volatile home life. As his arrival gets closer, a violent presence starts to show up in both her dreams and her real life, putting her American dream, which she is working hard to build, in danger

Closing Film: Almajiri by Toka McBaror

The annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is the most vibrant film festival in Africa and the #1 international attraction and destination for film tourism in West Africa.

AFRIFF attracts over 100, 000 people annually from Nigeria, America and other countries with filmmakers, actors, movie aficionados and stakeholders in the film industry from within Africa, America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia since it started in 2010 with all the glitz and razzmatazz of glamour and fanfare.

Oscar Day

5 November 2022
11.00 AM - 7.00 PM

AFRIFF Oscar Day Outline

Oscars Student Academy Awards Forum 
Oscars International Film Awards Forum
Two special seminars on the behind-closed-doors selection and voting process of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS),  presented by long-time Executive Committee member and acclaimed filmmaker Lawrence David Foldes. 
Followed by the Nigerian Premiere of Foldes’ award-winning feature ”Finding Home” with a post-screening Q&A on the making of the film.  Register online a day before the scheduled events or onsite 2 hours prior, to gain access.

See the complete programme on 
https://www.afriff.com/

AFRIFF 2022 is attracting more global attention than the previous editions. Hotels, resorts and rendezvous hangouts in Lagos will benefit from the international guests and visitors.

The members of the international jury for AFRIFF 2022 have been announced and they are all accomplished professionals in the film industry.

AFRIFF 2022 JURY

DANNA STERN

Producer, Global Content Executive.
Stern is a seasoned executive producer working across borders, genres and formats. As the founder of the Israeli-based yes Studios, Stern created a distribution and development content powerhouse, focused on delivering premium content for international platforms. She has been credited with helping bring Israeli content to global audiences and is responsible for the successful launches of numerous titles including “Fauda", "Shtisel", “The Devil Next Door”, “On the Spectrum", "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" etc.

LAWRENCE DAVID FOLDES
Award-winning Filmmaker.
 
Critically acclaimed award-winning filmmaker behind several cult hits. He was recognized as the youngest professional filmmaker on record when he produced his first feature, the teen cult classic “Malibu High” at the age of 18.
 
This was followed by the cult underground horror favourite Don’t Go Near the Park (which became one of the infamous banned ‘Video Nasties”) and popular action features like “Young Warriors” starring Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine and “Nightforce”.

FEMI ODUGBEMI
Filmmaker and TV Producer 
 
Femi Odugbemi is a filmmaker and TV Producer. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and has served as a four-time Head Judge of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA).
 
He has also been a Juror of the Emmy Awards, 3-time Head of Jury of the Uganda Film Festival, a Juror of the Johannesburg International Film Festival South Africa, and recently a Juror/Mentor of the NETFLIX/UNESCO African Folktales Re-imagined project.

KUNLE AFOLAYAN
Award-winning Filmmaker
 
Ace movie Producer/Director, Adekunle Ayodeji Afolayan is one of Nigeria’s foremost “2nd generation filmmakers “and the son of the highly respected Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade-Love), a passionate theatre artist who co-pioneered the movement from travelling theatre to the celluloid film format as introduced by Ola Balogun.
 
Having trained as a Business Administrator, and with a career in Banking, Kunle was cast into Tunde Kelani’s multiple award-winning movies Saworoide, earning him the first accolades and first appeared in the industry. In his commitment to self-improvement and professional excellence.

STEVE GUKAS
Executive Producer
 
Steve is a multi-platform producer/director with experience spanning Television, Radio, Theatre, Advertising and Film. He has a Diploma in TV Production from the NTA Television College in Jos and studied Theatre Arts at the University of Jos from where he graduated with a BA and is an alumnus of the prestigious London Film School.
 
Steve is the producer of award-wining Namibia – The Struggle For Liberation” the film premiered at the 2006 Pan African Film Festival in L.A. His other credits as producer/director include, “Keeping Faith” and “A  Place In The Stars”. He Co-Produced and Directed 93Days a feature film about the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has been screened at numerous film festivals along with several awards locally and internationally. This was followed by producing the award-winning film "Living In Bondage: Breaking Free", a sequel to the industry-defining film "Living In Bondage".

SYRINTHIA STUDER
Executive Vice President, Acquisitions for Paramount Pictures. 
 
Studer is responsible for acquiring films for theatrical release, as well as for worldwide distribution across multiple platforms. 
 
Among her recent acquisitions are the breakout comedy Book Club starring Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen, and the action-packed caper Overdrive, starring Scott Eastwood.
 
Studer previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Marketing and Acquisitions for Paramount Pictures’ Worldwide Home Media and TV Licensing divisions, where she launched and managed the studio’s efforts focused on ancillary-driven acquisitions, overseeing the negotiation and acquisition of groundbreaking domestic and international films.

WAFA' A HALAWI
Actress, Writer and Filmaker

A Lebanese/French actress, writer and filmmaker. started acting at age 5 and falls in love with theatre, where she finds a home.
In Lebanon, she joins the dance-theatre company Maqamat in 2001 and performs internationally. She also gets cast to act in Khalil Gibran’s play The Blind and various series by Elie Adabachi and Marwan Najjar. 
She also develops the feature fiction script Cello which wins international screenwriting prizes.
Wafa’a just completed filming in the Amazon, where she played the lead role in Brazilian director Marcelo Gomes’ new feature film.

JENNY ALONZO
Creative and Marketing Executive

Jenny is a dynamic, proven leader in content development & production, marketing, multicultural markets, and corporate media strategies/operations.
She has worked on some of the strongest brands including NBC, BET, Turner, IBM, FUSE, AFV, and The Wall Street Journal. 
A member of the executive team that launched Lifetime Television and its groundbreaking positioning of Television for Woman, Alonzo held multiple leadership roles including Senior Vice President of Production & Inventory Strategies, leading a team of 70+ that supported all marketing and creative services efforts for three networks, digital platforms, and multiple franchises. 
In 2021, Alonzo served as the Creative Director for the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos, Nigeria. 

NICKY WEINSTOCK
Founder & President, Invention Studios

Nicky Weinstock is the founder and president of Invention Studios, an independent creative production company developing a wide range of features and television series for both major American and international platforms.
Weinstock began his career in New York City as an editor at Random House and Riverhead Books, and then as the author of a nonfiction book and two novels, before moving to Los Angeles to develop series at 20th Century Fox Television. He went on to run Apatow Productions with writer/director Judd Apatow, where he produced movies including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, Get Him to the Greek and Bridesmaids. 

MICHEL ZGARKA
Production & Marketing Executive

Michel Zgarka is an experienced executive with a successful career of over 35 years in the production, communications, marketing, financial engineering and business development fields.
He is highly skilled in strategic and creative planning, marketing and personnel management for the media industry. Mr Zgarka has produced, directed and distributed numerous film and television productions for the international marketplace, including “GUMMYBAR” which garnered over 6 billion views on YouTube.
He has been a guest speaker at over 50 international entertainment industries events as well as the Delegate general of the Montreal Israeli Film Festival whose celebrating its 13th anniversary in 2018.

­ABOUT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AFRIFF)


The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is a celebration of Cinema and filmmaking talent from Africa and the diaspora. It consistently delivers a rich programme to foster invaluable exchanges of ideas, production connections, and business relationships. It creates an energetic and exciting hub for entertainment industry professionals to make rewarding connections and has gradually gained a reputation for delivering incredible value. 

The objectives are to develop the film industry to a level where the products compete favourably with their contemporaries all over world; provide a growth opportunity for these film industry professionals to eventually export their products to the world; facilitate access to investors, equipment, technical and skill acquisition through several capacity development opportunities.