The 13th annual African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) launched on November 3 in Lagos with a glittering red-carpet event at the Royal Box by Cube 65. The evening welcomed a stellar lineup of African film icons, international guests, and dignitaries, all gathered to celebrate the power and global influence of African storytelling.
The festival kicked off with AFRIFF’s first-ever Trailblazer Award, honoring the late Herbert Wigwe for his impactful support of the creative industry. Presented by Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, the award was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and AFREXIM Bank President Benedict Oramah in recognition of their dedication to Nigeria’s creative economy. Nduka Obiagbena, ThisDay publisher and Arise TV chairman, lauded AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude’s vision and described the festival as “one of the biggest film festivals in the world.”
Nigerian stars and filmmakers, including Rita Dominic, Kunle Afolayan, Osas Ighodaro, and many more, lit up the venue, while renowned photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi captured special portraits in the Mikano showroom. Hollywood’s John Boyega and other prominent guests, such as U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills and “The Cloned Tyrone” producer Stephen “Dr.” Love, added international glamour to the event.
The festival opened with the premiere of Michael Ndiomu’s anticipated thriller Headless, a film that dives into the realities of Nigeria’s film industry. Chioma Ude expressed her excitement, calling AFRIFF “a movement that celebrates the beauty and complexity of our stories,” and applauded its role in amplifying African voices in cinema.
Day 2 Honors Herbert Wigwe’s Legacy and Hosts John Boyega Fireside Chat
Themed “Herbert’s Day,” AFRIFF’s second day paid homage to Herbert Wigwe with a special panel on “Financing the Future: Investing in Film for Global Prosperity.” Leading financial minds from PAC Capital, AFREXIM Bank, Chapel Hill Denham, and MBO Capital joined to discuss the economic potential of film investments and how they enrich culture and spur social development.
A highlight of the day was an inspiring fireside chat with British-Nigerian actor John Boyega, moderated by Fela Oke. Boyega shared his Hollywood journey, detailing his intense six-month Star Wars audition process and early film training in London. The day closed with a high-profile networking event at the U.S. Consul General’s residence, where Netflix executives, U.S. diplomats, and AFRIFF leaders gathered to forge new collaborations and celebrate African cinema’s international impact.
As AFRIFF 2024 continues, it remains a beacon for African storytelling, fostering connections across borders and highlighting African cinema as a dynamic force on the world stage.
