The opening day of the 10th Anniversary edition of the annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) held on Sunday, November 7, 2021 attracted hundreds of people, including the top A-List stars of Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry in the Filmhouse Cinemas at the Landmark Retail Boulevard on Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Before the Nigerian premiere of the opening film, Amazon Studios' sci-fi action thriller, "Encounter" directed by Michael Pearce, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, the leading major sponsor of AFRIFF lauded the visionary leadership of Chioma Ude, the Founder and Executive Director of one of the best film festivals in Africa and said Access Bank will continue to support AFRIFF. Claire A. Pierangelo, the US Consul General to Nigeria also commended the remarkable success of AFRIFF and that the US Consulate is happy to partner with AFRIFF. Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizu Ojo, Chief Marketing Officer, Prime Video and Amazon Studios with James Farrell, the International Head of Local Originals, Amazon Studios were the keynote speakers and they announced the big plans of Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Studios to increase the international appreciation of Nollywood by hiring M-Net West Africa's former Regional Director, Mrs. Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu as the Principal Head of Content Acquisition for Prime Video in Sub-Saharan Africa. Kemi"Lala" Akindoju was the MC of the opening day event.
JLeo Uche with Mr. Victor Okhai, President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).
Angela M. Gordon, American filmmaker and writer with Wale Ojo and JLeo Uche.
In association with The Smithsonian, there was a Soirée Opening Night Fashion Party at the Shiro Lagos Asian Restaurant and Bar opposite the Filmhouse Cinemas. Famous trendsetter and multiple award winning TV host, Denrele Edun was the cynosure of the Soirée.
