The seventh edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) kicked off on Sunday night, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, The Palms, Lekki, Lagos.
Hilda Dokubo, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Wale Ojo, Uche Jombo, Linda Ejiofor and Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi were some of the A-list stars who made their appearance on the red carpet.
Others dignitaries include filmmakers and film entrepreneurs such as Biola Alabi, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Fred Amata, Zick Zulu Okafor, Kunle Afolayan, CJ Obasi, Belinda Yanga, Kenneth Uphopho, as well as media personalities like Shaibu Husseini and Ameyaw Debrah from Ghana.
Delegates from around the world were welcomed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who expressed the government’s willingness to support the creative industry through grants, tax breaks and funding opportunities.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, welcomed delegates and positioned AFRIFF as “one of the leading creative platforms in Africa that has been consistent, truly awe-inspiring and which has found the Lagos arty landscape compatible with its own vision.’’
Also speaking at the event, French Consul General, Lagos, Laurent Polonceaux said; “This is a great opportunity for us because this is the first time that the French government is involved with Africa. We will be having two days at the festival for French films, with possibility of co-production with Nigeria and Africa.”
He noted that it was good that the festival will be closing with the French film, Felicite, and disclosed that arrangement has been made to have about 70 film students for further training in France as an exchange programme with AFRIFF.
Waiting for Hassana, a short film on the missing Chibok girls, directed by Ifunanya Maduka, and Zambian entry, I am not a Witch, by Rungano Nyoni opened the festival.
Both films were selected on the strength of their merits, as they highlight important topical social issues relating to African children.
About 200 carefully curated feature-length, short, documentary and student films will be screened at AFRIFF this year.
The festival also encompasses talent development classes, industry workshops and inspiring creative discussions.
