By Bisola Bello
Woodpecker International Film Festival (WIFF) known for its focus on issue based cinema will be showcasing nine Nigerian films this year.
Slated for September 17 to 20, 2015, the festival, in its third edition this year, will take place at the Siri Fort auditorium in New Delhi, India.
According to founder/director, Narender Yadav, the festival is going to be a unique platform to promote Nigerian cinema in India.
The Nigerian films selected for the festival include October 1 directed by Kunle Afolayan, Brothers (Azubike Erinugha), Bedlam (David Nnaji), Knocking on Heaven’s Door (Desmond Elliot) and Thy Will Be Done (Obi Emelonye). Others are Doll House (Kayode Peters), Silent Tears (Ishaya Bako), Half of a Yellow Sun (Biyi Bankole) and Champagne by Emem Isong.
In a statement made available to QED Online, Yadav said “it’s for the first time that a serious attempt is being made to bring Nigerian cinema to the Indian audience. I am sure this is going to be an enriching experience for cinema lovers in India. At the same time, these films will also attract large number of Nigerian youths, who are in New Delhi either for their higher studies or for work. Overall it’s going to be an exciting feature of our festival this year.”
The festival is organised by the CMSR Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in New Delhi, to promote issue based cinema globally as a part of the Cinema for Change initiative.
This year’s festival jury will be headed by acclaimed actor and theatre director Mr. Avijit Dutt. The Jury also has Nigerian writer and filmmaker Mr Onyeka Nwelue. Other esteemed members of the jury include Oscar nominated director-producer, writer and actor Ms. Ajita SuchitraVeera, journalist Mr. Mihir Shrivastav and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Member Mr. Ashieem Kaisthaa.
