The 7th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) kicked off on the 29th October, 2017. The grand opening was attended by loads of film-lovers, all cadres of the film industry, top politicians, financial executives, and industry personnel.
Among these were Lai Mohammed (Minister of Information, Culture & Tourism), Mr. Herbert Wigwe (Managing Director of Access Bank), Chioma Ude (AFRIFF Founder), Kunle Afolayan, Hilda Dokubo, Bodunrin Sasore, Uru Eke, Kemi Lala Akindoju (festival head of social engagement), Deyemi Okanlawon, Linda Ejiofor, Kunle Remmy, Jumoke Aderounmu, and The Delphinator to name a few.
The festival, spanning a week, will encompass talent development classes, premieres, seminars, masterclasses, creative discussions, training series, business sessions and networking opportunities. The facilitators include Nadia Denton, Victoria Thomas, Steve Whitford, Ojoma Ochai, Lucy Brown, and Alex Lichtenfels. AFRIFF aims to re-establish Africa’s significance as the original birth home of civilization and the last frontier for unique content and film stories.
Heralded by a live-stream and speeches from dignitaries, the event opened officially with the screening of Rungano Nyoni’s I Am Not A Witch and Waiting for Hassana by Ifunanya Maduka. In his speech, Lai Mohammed expressed his intention and pride in the continued growth of Nollywood. And according to him, the Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism is “supporting about one hundred community cinemas evenly spread across the country.”
The AFRIFF Globe Awards, including a red carpet and cocktail, will bring the annual festivities to a close on Saturday, November 4, at the Eko Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. AFRIFF is supported by the Access Bank, Institut Francais, the United States Embassy, the British Council, Konbini, Moet & Chandon, and Genesis Cinemas.
Admission is completely free – come one, come all!
Photo Credits: Adeolu Adeniyi Photography
