The 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), scheduled to run from November 5 to 11, will feature biopics of the late Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and renowned artist Nike Davies-Okundaye. Chioma Ude, the Founder of AFRIFF, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the festival will present a selection of noteworthy films, including “Queen of Adire – A Story of Nike Davies Okundaye” by Titi Ogunfere and “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” by Bola Austen-Peters. These films aim to showcase indigenous narratives from women who have made significant national impacts. The festival will also include diverse activities like panel discussions and networking sessions, culminating in the prestigious AFRIFF Globe Awards.
Ude revealed that the 2023 edition of the award, sponsored by MTN Nigeria, will introduce three new categories. These include the Honouree Award with a prize of N2 million for each recipient, the Viewer’s Choice category, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite movie of the year, and the Fan Favorite Award for fans to vote for their preferred actors and actresses.
The awards will be presented to selected actors at the Globe Awards Night on November 11. Actors to be honored include Richard Mofe Damijo, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chidi Mokeme, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, and others like Chioma Akpotha, Kunle Remi, Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe Etim, Lateef Adedimeji, and Tobi Bakare.
Ude expressed her commitment to elevating the festival to meet global expectations, emphasizing the theme “Indigenous to Global 2.0.” This theme continues from last year, focusing on preparing for the global market through expanded panels, judges, and master classes.
The opening night of the 12th AFRIFF promises to captivate audiences with the exclusive premiere of “ORAH,” directed by Lonzo Nzekwe. The closing night will feature the premiere of “Breath of Life,” directed by BB Shashore and produced by Eku Edewor, promising an equally exciting experience.
Latasha Ngwube, Head of Media and Public Relations for the 12th AFRIFF, highlighted the festival’s role in uncovering new talents and screening hundreds of films for free. The AFRIFF jury includes local and international members, such as Stephen Dr. Love, Abby Ajayi, Nicholas Weinstock, and Nollywood greats like Kate Henshaw and Desmond Elliot.