The 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has revealed its plans to support the expansion of indigenous movies in the global market.
Scheduled to take place from November 5 to 11, 2023, the festival will honor renowned actors such as Richard Mofe Damijo, Funke Akindele, and Femi Adebayo.
The announcement was made during a media parley held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday.
According to Chioma Ude, the founder and Director of AFRIFF, the week-long event will commence with the exclusive premiere of “ORAH,” directed by Lonzo Nzekwe, on Sunday night.
The closing night will feature the highly anticipated premiere of the inspirational movie “Breath of Life,” directed by BB Shashore and produced by Eku Edewor.
Ude emphasized the festival’s commitment to improving its capacity to meet global expectations.
She stated, “We are inspired by the passion and dedication of filmmakers and film enthusiasts in Africa, and we are dedicated to providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
“This year, the theme is ‘Indigenous to global 2.0,’ which builds upon last year’s theme. However, I have realized how unprepared we are.
“To be fully prepared, we have expanded our panel, judges, and masterclasses to strengthen our presence in the global market.
“We are focused on enhancing capacity building and positioning the industry for more opportunities. Next year, we will have Indigenous to Global 3.0 until we get it right.”
Ude also mentioned that the festival will showcase noteworthy films, including “Queen of Adire – A Story of Nike Davies Okundaye” by Titi Ogunfere and “Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti” by Bola Austen-Peters.
The AFRIFF jury comprises local and international members, with Stephen Dr. Love as the head. Other members include Abby Ajayi, Nicholas Weinstock, Geneva Wasserman, Wafa’a Celine Halawi, Greg Odutayo, Ranada Shepard, Tsitsi Dangaremgba, and Nollywood stars Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, and Bisola Tejumola of Multichoice Nigeria.
Latasha Ngwube, the Head of Media and Public Relations, expressed that the 12th edition of AFRIFF will unveil new talents, provide insider opportunities, and screen hundreds of films for free.
“AFRIFF is attracting attention from around the world as it strengthens and grows in preparation to present African stories created by Africans to a global audience,” she said.
Ngwube highlighted that AFRIFF will showcase indigenous narratives from impactful women on a national level.
The festival will feature various activities, including panel discussions and networking sessions, culminating in the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards.
She added, “This year’s edition will introduce three exciting new categories sponsored by MTN Nigeria. These additions include the Honoree Award, offering N2 million to each recipient; the Viewer’s Choice category, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite movie of the year; and the Fan Favorite Award, enabling fans to vote for their beloved 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 honored include Richard Mofe Damijo for “The Black Book,” Blossom Chukwujekwu for “The Trade,” Chidi Mokeme for “Shanty Town,” Funke Akindele for “Battle on Buka Street,” and Femi Adebayo for “Jagun Jagun.”
Others on the list are Chioma Akpotha for “Gangs of Lagos,” Kunle Remi for “Anikulapo,” Ini Edo for “Shanty Town,” Nse Ikpe Etim for “4-44-44,” Lateef Adedimeji for “Jagun Jagun,” and Tobi Bakare for “Gangs of Lagos.”