Showing posts with label Africa International Film Festival. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa International Film Festival. Show all posts

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

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.

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.


Monday, March 21, 2022

INDIGENOUS FOR GLOBAL! #AFRIFF 2022 CALL FOR ENTRIES

INDIGENOUS FOR GLOBAL! #AFRIFF 2022 CALL FOR ENTRIES

LAGOS – Monday, 21st March 2022

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), today announced its Call for Entries for its 11th Edition in November 2022. Speaking at today’s briefing, founder and festival director Ms Chioma Ude said “I am delighted to open our Call for Entries for our 11th anniversary edition, following Amazon’s acquisition of films from AFRIFF’s film catalog last year, we are now strategically positioned to help filmmakers distribute their titles with our landmark partnership with Amazon Prime Video. We also had Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios pick up 2 movies from the festival. This year, we are already in talks with a multitude of streaming platforms interested in licensing and acquiring films from the festival  We are proud to present this year’s programme themed INDIGENOUS FOR GLOBAL, dedicated to the incredible opportunities Amazon Prime video and others offer Nigerian filmmakers going forward, enabling us to dream and continue to innovate and create exciting and vibrant experiences for our Audience”.

Submissions for the 2022 edition of AFRIFF are now officially open and will run till July 30th 2022. General entries will be accepted until July 1st with a late entry deadline set for July 30th, 2022. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit entries early with the regular deadline as late entry submissions will be strictly accepted only via waiver code.

Festival selections include fiction and non-fiction films both domestic and international, features and shorts, impact-driven documentaries and Animation with an emphasis on films that have not been premiered on commercial screens. 

ENTRY DETAILS

Early Deadline: July 1st  |  Final Deadline: July 30  |  

Selection Notification Date: September 26th, 2022

Submission linkhttp://filmfreeway.com/AFRIFF
 

CATEGORY STATUS

Features: Film is 60 minutes or more

Shorts & Episodics: Film is less than 45 minutes.

Documentary: Documentaries can be short form or feature length, however short docs are accepted as Short films for AFRIFF’s programme.

Animation/Anime: Accepted as short form or feature length.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Only those films produced after January 1st of 2021 are eligible for competition.

Films produced before 2021 maybe accepted in the programme if their story speaks to the programme theme or AFRIFF programmers think it suits the programme.

Films of any nationality and language can participate. Non English must be subtitled.

Submissions will only be accepted through AFRIFF’s filmfreeway page. 

There are no limits to the number of entries a filmmaker may enter, but these have to be submitted separately.

AFRIFF does not require premiere status; however it will prioritize premiere status for competition and screenings.

Submit Your Film on https://filmfreeway.com/AFRIFF

­The 11th Africa International Film Festival will be a hybrid experience. Follow us on all social media platform @AFRIFF

Save the date November 6 –12, 2022.

ABOUT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AFRIFF)

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) conceived by Ms Chioma Ude 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 local film industry to a level where the products compete favorably with their contemporaries all over the world; providing a growth opportunity for these film industry professionals to eventually export their products and facilitate access to investors, equipment, and technical skill acquisition through several capacity development opportunities.

Africa International Film festival - AFRIFF
Ornife Legacy Place, 8 Professor Gabriel Olusanya Street, 105102, Lekki,
Lagos, Nigeria.

Friday, October 29, 2021

AFRIFF Announces Seasoned Entertainment Executive as Creative Director for its 10th Anniversary Edition


AFRIFF Announces Seasoned Entertainment Executive as Creative Director for its 10th Anniversary Edition
 

AFRIFF Announces Seasoned Entertainment Executive as Creative Director for its 10th Anniversary Edition

Lagos, Nigeria –    29/10/2021

Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) today announced seasoned global entertainment executive, Jenny Alonzo, as Creative Director for its 10th anniversary edition

The move comes as AFRIFF continues to solidify itself as Africa’s most innovative film festival, celebrating African content, film making and a unique platform for the many stories Africa has to share with the world. AFRIFF is focused on building the necessary bridge with the rest of the world.

Jenny Alonzo is a recognized leader in content, marketing, and the multicultural markets across all platforms—film, television, digital— and is an advisor to C-Level executives on the ‘super consumers,’ a segment often referred to as multicultural. She has worked on some of the strongest brands in international media, including NBC, The Wall Street Journal, and NUVOtv/FUSE, where she spearheaded the go-to-market strategy for the network’s partnership with global icon Jennifer Lopez.  Most notably, Alonzo was a member of the executive team that launched Lifetime Television and its ground-breaking market positioning of Television for Women.

Alonzo has been an advocate for diverse storytelling and representation throughout her career. She was a two-term member of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) inaugural Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age, served on Nielsen’s Advisory Council, Volvo/Jaguar/LandRover’s Advisory Council, is currently on the Board of Governors for St. John’s University, and is Chair of the Board for circlearound.com. 

Jenny Alonzo has been featured as a Broadcasting & Cable Fifth Estater, in The New York Times, Diversity Inc., Black Enterprise, and El Diario/LaPrensa. She has moderated and participated on highly visible panels at major conferences, including NCTA, CTAM, PROMAX, Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit, Congressional Caucuses, corporate events, and film festivals.

I’m both humbled and excited to be working with Chioma Ude on AFRIFF. This festival is a hidden gem. AFRIFF has been a champion for African filmmakers and Chioma’s mission to amplify and elevate the stories about Africa, Africans, and its Diaspora is right in line with what my brand represents—telling and amplifying stories about women and diverse markets that continue to lead global growth. I am proud to be working with someone who demonstrates a commitment to paying-it-forward and to opening doors for those with limited access, which is still a huge problem in filmmaking and entertainment. 

Alonzo, continued, “Africa is truly the richest continent in the world and yet the stories we see paint a different picture. AFRIFF is doing everything it can to change that by providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and for buyers to experience authentically rich stories they can bring to the world. Chioma is on a mission to ensure AFRIFF becomes the “must attend” film festival of Africa. I’m honoured to join her on this mission,” stated Alonzo. 

AFRIFF takes pride in celebrating some of the best films in Africa in the Feature, Documentary and Short category through careful selection by its Creative Director and International Jury. This year, about 4,000 films have been submitted in all the categories and the selection process for films that will screen at the festival is currently on going. REGISTER FOR AFRIFF.

ABOUT AFRIFF

The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) conceived by Ms Chioma Ude is a world class showcase that presents a complete immersion into the world of film making with participation from local and international, actors, directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, sound engineers, musicians, editors, light engineers, students, equipment manufacturers and businesspeople. 

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 workshops; complement government’s efforts at revamping small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).


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