Gateway city: A documentary exploring Badagry’s rich history in Lagos State has been nominated for a special screening at the 15th iRepresent (iREP) International Documentary Film Festival. Mr. Viyon Awhanse, director of the documentary, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Badagry.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, iREP International Documentary Film Festival is a platform for documentary cinema in Africa. Awhanse emphasized that the film not only discusses issues but also employs innovative cinematic techniques to illustrate the intersection of trade, diplomacy, and history in the megacity. He posed an important question: How can big cities include their important gateways in future growth?
The documentary is set to be shown at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island on Saturday. Awhanse mentioned that the film was produced by Samuel Mawuy n Ajose (SMA) Movement, with the story credited to Dr. Babatunde Mesiwaku, Chairman of the group in Lagos. SMA Movement is backing Gateway City, highlighting heritage, leadership, and the magic of movies.
Awhanse further stated that the group believes in the power of stories to effect change in the world. SMA Movement is recognized for its role in supporting young people and communities, and now it’s venturing into creativity through film. This initiative represents a significant advancement in strategically using film as a vehicle for community engagement, education, and social impact, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging storytelling and audiovisual content for positive, sustainable change.
Samuel Ajose also highlighted SMA’s support for Gateway City to brighten the future, preserve history, and showcase Lagos State’s significance globally. He noted that Viyon’s film reveals the importance of places like Badagry as gateways to the world. The selection of Gateway City for a special screening at EPAC underscores its significance to policymakers, institutions, and cultural enthusiasts globally.