#TIFF16: Lagos, Nigeria featured in bold City to City Programme at Toronto International Film Festival Sept 8-18 2016
From a media release:
Bold, daring and dynamic cinema of Lagos featured in eighth annual City To City programme
Including Rising Stars OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama
The 41st Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 8 to 18, 2016
• Check out TIFF 2016
TORONTO, ON — The 41st Toronto International Film Festival® shines its spotlight on eight fearless features from the city of Lagos, Nigeria, for the eighth edition of the City to City programme. The lineup showcases gutsy new works by contemporary directors living and working in one of the world’s biggest film industries.
“Hundreds of films are made every year in Lagos for a voracious audience around the world. Our City to City spotlight brings some of Nollywood's most popular filmmakers together with new voices who are introducing an alternative, indie spirit to Nigerian cinema,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival. “We're excited to share this unprecedented showcase of talent from Lagos with our Toronto audience.”
City to City showcases filmmakers living and working in a selected city, regardless of where their films are set. Cities featured in past programmes include London, Seoul, Athens, Mumbai, Buenos Aires, Istanbul and Tel Aviv.
“This year we’ve also added an international component to our TIFF Rising Stars programme, and here we will spotlight two up-and-coming actors from Lagos: OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama,” added Bailey.
“Over the past six years the Rising Stars talent accelerator has blossomed, and it’s timely for us to shine an even wider spotlight on acting talent by embracing international actors,” said Kathleen Drumm, Director, Industry. “The Nigerian actors are a welcome addition and a natural evolution of what the programme aims to achieve.”
Two TIFF Rising Stars, OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, will take part in a series of specialized programming, seminars and workshops at the Festival, organized by TIFF’s Industry team.
Actor, film producer and singer Genevieve Nnaji and actor, film producer and director Kunle Afolayan will also join audiences for a unique and intimate discussion as part of the Festival’s In Conversation With… programme. The full lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
TIFF Rising Stars:
OC Ukeje
OC Ukeje is a Lagos-born actor, singer and performer. Winner of the 2006 Amstel Malta Box Office reality TV show for actors, he later trained at the New York Film Academy. He has won several Best Actor awards, including the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award, a Nigeria Entertainment Award, an Africa Movie Academy Award, and a Best of Nollywood Award. His films include Teco Benson’s Two Brides and a Baby (2011); Jeta Amata’s Black November (2012); Half of a Yellow Sun (2013), based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestselling novel; Destiny Ekaragha’s Gone too Far! (2013); Kenneth Gyang’s Confusion Na Wa (2013); Seyi Babatope’s When Love Happens (2014); the television series Gidi Up; Remi Vaughan-Richards’ The Department (2015); Sara Blecher’s Ayanda (2015); and Niyi Akinmolayan’s The Arbitration (2016), which plays at the Festival.
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is an actor, model, and fashion executive based in Lagos. A graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, she made her onscreen debut in the television series The Island. Her first leading role was in the television series Gidi Up. Recent projects include Steve Gukas’ 93 Days (2016), Niyi Akinmolayan’s The Arbitration (2016), and Kemi Adetiba’s The Wedding Party (2016), which will all screen at the Festival.
Films screening as part of the City to City programme include:
76 Izu Ojukwu, Nigeria; World Premiere
In a story inspired by true events, six years after the civil war in Nigeria, a heavily pregnant woman's life crumbles when the news of her husband's involvement in a botched military coup hits the headlines. Starring Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Larry Williams, Adonija Owiriwa, Daniel K. Daniel, Memry Savanhu, Pat Nebo, Debo Oguns, and Adams Shuaibu.
93 Days Steve Gukas, Nigeria; World Premiere
A riveting real-life thriller about courageous health-care workers in Lagos battling the Ebola outbreak of 2014. Starring TIFF Rising Star Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Danny Glover, Bimbo Akintola, Tim Reid, Alastair Mackenzie, and Keppy Ekpenyong.
The Arbitration Niyi Akinmolayan, Nigeria; International Premiere
An arbitration must deal with the messy corporate entanglements of a workplace affair that led to a possible rape in the fast-paced world of the Nigerian technology space. Starring TIFF Rising Stars OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Adesua Etomi, Iretiola Doyle, and Sola Fosudo.
Green White Green Abba Makama, Nigeria; World Premiere
A coming of age story about three young boys, from Nigeria's major ethnic groups, on an adventure to make a short film inspired by the history of Nigeria. They embark on a roller coaster ride that will eventually lead them towards their individual paths to self-discovery.
Just Not Married Uduak-Obong Patrick, Nigeria; International Premiere
In this caper comedy thriller, a bright but broke undergrad striving to escape the slums gets in over his head when his modest criminal enterprise goes a bit too far when he and his friends resort to stealing cars under the guise of being married.
Okafor's Law Omoni Oboli, Nigeria; World Premiere
Chuks is a firm believer in Okafor's Law which states that once a man has had a woman, he forever has access to her. Challenged by his friends to prove the validity of the law in 21 days, past girlfriends Ify, Kemi and Ejiro are brought back into his life.
Oko Ashewo (Taxi Driver) Daniel Emeke Oriahi, Nigeria; North American Premiere
Adigun, a struggling village mechanic, accepts an invitation from Taiwo, his late father's best friend, to take over his father's now vacant position as a taxi driver alongside him. Adigun, now tackling life in the heart of Lagos, is completely oblivious of the wheels that his mere arrival has inextricably set in motion.
City to City opening night film:
The Wedding Party Kemi Adetiba, Nigeria; World Premiere
Everyone knows that there ain't no party like a Nigerian wedding party… Especially when you throw in an insecure virgin bride, a reformed playboy groom, two overbearing mothers who can't stand each other, one philandering husband, a high strung wedding planner, the invasion of unruly village gate-crashers, a thief on the loose, a best man with a flash-drive full of secrets, a sexy ex with vengeance on her mind, two loyal bridesmaids ready to go to war, and a brother seeking his father’s approval. It is a hilarious melting pot of potential disaster.
In Conversation With…:
In Conversation With… Genevieve Nnaji and Kunle Afolayan
This onstage conversation will explore Genevieve Nnaji and Kunle Afolayan’s inspiring stories, illuminating the complex dynamics behind Nollywood’s rise to prominence at home and all over the world.
Following in the footsteps of his father, the beloved actor-producer-director Ade Love, Afolayan garnered accolades out of the gate with his directorial debut, The Figurine (2009), and continues to innovate as a cinematic storyteller and industry heavyweight. Afolayan has elevated the standards and ambitions of Nigerian cinema over the past decade; from shooting on 35mm instead of digital cameras, to devising elaborate release strategies for his films, including his most recent venture, The CEO (2016), which took place on an Air France flight from Lagos to Paris.
Celebrated as the leading lady of Nollywood and the face of African cinema, Nnaji began her career as a child on the popular soap opera Ripples and has since received multiple awards for her work in films such as Ijé: The Journey (2010), Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) and Road to Yesterday (2015). A producer and media entrepreneur, Nnaji is also a singer and released her first album, One Logologo Line, in 2004.
The Toronto International Film Festival is generously supported by Lead Sponsor Bell, Major Sponsors RBC, L’Oréal Paris and Visa, and Major Supporters the Government of Ontario, Telefilm Canada and the City of Toronto.
City to City is generously supported by TIFF donors and members.
Bold, daring and dynamic cinema of Lagos featured in eighth annual City To City programme
Including Rising Stars OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama
The 41st Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 8 to 18, 2016
• Check out TIFF 2016
TORONTO, ON — The 41st Toronto International Film Festival® shines its spotlight on eight fearless features from the city of Lagos, Nigeria, for the eighth edition of the City to City programme. The lineup showcases gutsy new works by contemporary directors living and working in one of the world’s biggest film industries.
 |
| Just Not Married by Uduak-Obong Patrick |
City to City showcases filmmakers living and working in a selected city, regardless of where their films are set. Cities featured in past programmes include London, Seoul, Athens, Mumbai, Buenos Aires, Istanbul and Tel Aviv.
“This year we’ve also added an international component to our TIFF Rising Stars programme, and here we will spotlight two up-and-coming actors from Lagos: OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama,” added Bailey.
“Over the past six years the Rising Stars talent accelerator has blossomed, and it’s timely for us to shine an even wider spotlight on acting talent by embracing international actors,” said Kathleen Drumm, Director, Industry. “The Nigerian actors are a welcome addition and a natural evolution of what the programme aims to achieve.”
Two TIFF Rising Stars, OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, will take part in a series of specialized programming, seminars and workshops at the Festival, organized by TIFF’s Industry team.
Actor, film producer and singer Genevieve Nnaji and actor, film producer and director Kunle Afolayan will also join audiences for a unique and intimate discussion as part of the Festival’s In Conversation With… programme. The full lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
TIFF Rising Stars:
OC Ukeje
OC Ukeje is a Lagos-born actor, singer and performer. Winner of the 2006 Amstel Malta Box Office reality TV show for actors, he later trained at the New York Film Academy. He has won several Best Actor awards, including the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award, a Nigeria Entertainment Award, an Africa Movie Academy Award, and a Best of Nollywood Award. His films include Teco Benson’s Two Brides and a Baby (2011); Jeta Amata’s Black November (2012); Half of a Yellow Sun (2013), based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestselling novel; Destiny Ekaragha’s Gone too Far! (2013); Kenneth Gyang’s Confusion Na Wa (2013); Seyi Babatope’s When Love Happens (2014); the television series Gidi Up; Remi Vaughan-Richards’ The Department (2015); Sara Blecher’s Ayanda (2015); and Niyi Akinmolayan’s The Arbitration (2016), which plays at the Festival.
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is an actor, model, and fashion executive based in Lagos. A graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, she made her onscreen debut in the television series The Island. Her first leading role was in the television series Gidi Up. Recent projects include Steve Gukas’ 93 Days (2016), Niyi Akinmolayan’s The Arbitration (2016), and Kemi Adetiba’s The Wedding Party (2016), which will all screen at the Festival.
Films screening as part of the City to City programme include:
76 Izu Ojukwu, Nigeria; World Premiere
In a story inspired by true events, six years after the civil war in Nigeria, a heavily pregnant woman's life crumbles when the news of her husband's involvement in a botched military coup hits the headlines. Starring Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Larry Williams, Adonija Owiriwa, Daniel K. Daniel, Memry Savanhu, Pat Nebo, Debo Oguns, and Adams Shuaibu.
93 Days Steve Gukas, Nigeria; World Premiere
A riveting real-life thriller about courageous health-care workers in Lagos battling the Ebola outbreak of 2014. Starring TIFF Rising Star Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Danny Glover, Bimbo Akintola, Tim Reid, Alastair Mackenzie, and Keppy Ekpenyong.
The Arbitration Niyi Akinmolayan, Nigeria; International PremiereAn arbitration must deal with the messy corporate entanglements of a workplace affair that led to a possible rape in the fast-paced world of the Nigerian technology space. Starring TIFF Rising Stars OC Ukeje and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Adesua Etomi, Iretiola Doyle, and Sola Fosudo.
Green White Green Abba Makama, Nigeria; World Premiere
A coming of age story about three young boys, from Nigeria's major ethnic groups, on an adventure to make a short film inspired by the history of Nigeria. They embark on a roller coaster ride that will eventually lead them towards their individual paths to self-discovery.
Just Not Married Uduak-Obong Patrick, Nigeria; International Premiere
In this caper comedy thriller, a bright but broke undergrad striving to escape the slums gets in over his head when his modest criminal enterprise goes a bit too far when he and his friends resort to stealing cars under the guise of being married.
 |
| Kunle Afolayan at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards by Ameyaw Debrah |
Chuks is a firm believer in Okafor's Law which states that once a man has had a woman, he forever has access to her. Challenged by his friends to prove the validity of the law in 21 days, past girlfriends Ify, Kemi and Ejiro are brought back into his life.
Oko Ashewo (Taxi Driver) Daniel Emeke Oriahi, Nigeria; North American Premiere
Adigun, a struggling village mechanic, accepts an invitation from Taiwo, his late father's best friend, to take over his father's now vacant position as a taxi driver alongside him. Adigun, now tackling life in the heart of Lagos, is completely oblivious of the wheels that his mere arrival has inextricably set in motion.
City to City opening night film:
The Wedding Party Kemi Adetiba, Nigeria; World Premiere
Everyone knows that there ain't no party like a Nigerian wedding party… Especially when you throw in an insecure virgin bride, a reformed playboy groom, two overbearing mothers who can't stand each other, one philandering husband, a high strung wedding planner, the invasion of unruly village gate-crashers, a thief on the loose, a best man with a flash-drive full of secrets, a sexy ex with vengeance on her mind, two loyal bridesmaids ready to go to war, and a brother seeking his father’s approval. It is a hilarious melting pot of potential disaster.
In Conversation With…:
In Conversation With… Genevieve Nnaji and Kunle Afolayan
This onstage conversation will explore Genevieve Nnaji and Kunle Afolayan’s inspiring stories, illuminating the complex dynamics behind Nollywood’s rise to prominence at home and all over the world.
Following in the footsteps of his father, the beloved actor-producer-director Ade Love, Afolayan garnered accolades out of the gate with his directorial debut, The Figurine (2009), and continues to innovate as a cinematic storyteller and industry heavyweight. Afolayan has elevated the standards and ambitions of Nigerian cinema over the past decade; from shooting on 35mm instead of digital cameras, to devising elaborate release strategies for his films, including his most recent venture, The CEO (2016), which took place on an Air France flight from Lagos to Paris.Celebrated as the leading lady of Nollywood and the face of African cinema, Nnaji began her career as a child on the popular soap opera Ripples and has since received multiple awards for her work in films such as Ijé: The Journey (2010), Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) and Road to Yesterday (2015). A producer and media entrepreneur, Nnaji is also a singer and released her first album, One Logologo Line, in 2004.
Purchase TIFF Choice ticket packages until August 24, while quantities last, online 24 hours a day at tiff.net/tickets; by phone from 10am to 7pm ET daily at 416.599.TIFF or 1.888.599.8433; or visit the Steve & Rashmi Gupta Box Office at TIFF Bell Lightbox in person from 10am to 10pm ET daily at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Reitman Square, 350 King Street West. .
Social Media:
@TIFF_NET | #TIFF16
Facebook.com/TIFF
The Toronto International Film Festival is generously supported by Lead Sponsor Bell, Major Sponsors RBC, L’Oréal Paris and Visa, and Major Supporters the Government of Ontario, Telefilm Canada and the City of Toronto.
City to City is generously supported by TIFF donors and members.
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