AFRIFF 2023: Indigenous to Global 2.0 kicks off Tonight with RMD, Adebayo, Funke, Others to be Awarded

Organisers of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) have unveiled plans for its 12th edition geared at expanding indigenous movies to the global market.

This plan was revealed during a media parley heralding the festival at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos to be held from November 5th to 11th this year.

AFRIFF promises a captivating opening night with the exclusive premiere of ORAH, directed by Lonzo Nzekwe.

The closing night will be equally enchanting as it features the highly anticipated premiere of the inspirational movie “Breath of Life” directed by BB Shashore and produced by Eku Edewor.

Present at the parley were AFRIFF Founder and Festival Director, Chioma Ude;
MarCom and Sponsorship Director, Ebuka Ude; Program & Artistic Director, Ikenna Ezenyirioha; Head Media and PR, Latasha Ngwube.

Others were AFRIFF Jury President, Stephen Dr. Love; Folake Steaze Johnson representing Chief Creative Officer of NEFTI Paul Robinson, and Middle Eastern filmmaker Samir Abdel Nasir.

In her opening remarks, the Head of Media and Public Relations, Latasha Ngwube, said that the 12th edition would unravel new talents, create insider opportunities, and screen hundreds of films for free.

She expressed: “The world is coming to Nigeria as AFRIFF looks internally to strengthen and grow in preparation to take African stories made by Africans to the world.”

The AFRIFF jury boasts local and international members headed by Stephen Dr. Love, Abby Ajayi, Nicholas Weinstock, Geneva Wasserman, and Wafa’a Celine Halawi.

Others are Greg Odutayo, Ranada Shepard, Tsitsi Dangaremgba, and Nollywood greats, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, and Multichoice Nigeria’s Bisola Tejumola.

Founder and Director of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude reaffirmed their readiness to improve the festival’s capacity towards global expectations.

“We are inspired by the passion and dedication of filmmakers and film enthusiasts in Africa, and we are committed to providing a platform for their voices to be heard.

This year, the theme is Indigenous to Global 2.0, which is in continuation of last year’s theme, but I learned a lot about how unready we are. To be very prepared, we expanded our panel, our judges, and masterclasses to prepare us more for the global market.

We are focused on improving capacity building, with industry partners and positioning the industry further for more opportunities. Next year will be Indigenous to Global 3.0 until we get it right”.

In addition to these remarkable cinematic experiences, the festival will present a selection of noteworthy films including “Queen of Adire – A Story of Nike Davies Okundaye” by Titi Ogunfere and “Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti” by Bola Austen-Peters, among others.

They will showcase indigenous narratives from women who have made a national impact.

The festival will be adorned with a series of diverse activities including Panel discussions, and Networking sessions, leading to the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards.

This year’s edition will also unveil three exciting new categories sponsored by MTN Nigeria: the Honouree Award, offering N2 million to each recipient, the Viewer’s Choice category, allowing viewers to vote for their preferred movie of the year, and the Fan Favorite Award for fans to cast their votes for their actors and actresses.

The Awards will be presented to selected actors at the Globe Awards Night, on November 11th during the festival. Actors to be honoured include Richard Mofe Damijo (The Black Book), and Blossom Chukwujekwu (The Trade).

Chidi Mokeme (Shanty Town), Funke Akindele (Battle on Buka Street), Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun), and Chioma Akpotha (Gangs of Lagos).

Others are Kunle Remi (Anikulapo), Ini Edo (Shanty Town), Nse Ikpe Etim (4-44-44), Lateef Adedimeji, (Jagun Jagun), and Tobi Bakare (Gangs of Lagos).

The NEFT emerging Film Talent International (N.E.F.T.I.) competition in collaboration with LG Electronics and AFRIFF will also be selecting and rewarding new young talent with prize money of $5000 for their creativity while embracing their uniqueness.

AFRIFF will celebrate the diverse and vibrant African film industry. It will highlight the cultural richness and storytelling of African talents while underscoring the importance of continued collaboration, innovation, and investment in the region’s cinema.

The 2023 edition is partnered with and sponsored by the Lagos State Government, Access Corporation, MTN, Prime Video, Paramount, Mikano, HOW Foundation, and WIGWE University.

PAC Capital, The Refinery, Martel, US Consulate Lagos, French Embassy, DSTV, Showmax, Africa No Filter, NEWF, NEFTI, Spcine, and UCA University for the Creative Arts UK.