Remember when we told you exclusively that Kunle Afolayan and Genevieve Nnaji have been invited for a programme of intimate, in-depth, personal and compelling discussions at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)?
The Lagos State Government confirmed that story on August 16 when it said through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, that the two “were selected to In Conversation With… which will have the two celebrities discuss their works on the world stage.”
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Organisers of the went a step further on Tuesday, announcing via a statement made available to Qed.ng that the programme will feature “eight internationally celebrated special guests Hiam Abbass, Kunle Afolayan and Genevieve Nnaji, Sônia Braga, Isabelle Huppert, Karan Johar, Mark Wahlberg, and Zhang Ziyi.”
You read that right; Kunle and Genevieve will be on the same programme as Wahlberg, the American actor, model and rapper also known as Marky Mark.
“Our In Conversation With… events provide Festival goers the rare opportunity to engage with cinematic luminaries from around the world,” said Theresa Scandiffio, Director, Adult Learning, and programmer of the In Conversation With… series at TIFF.
“This year’s diverse and global slate of high-profile guests include art-house legends, Hollywood stars and industry heavyweights, who are sure to resonate with and captivate all film lovers.
“These intimate conversations bring together prestigious actors and filmmakers to share inspiring stories and candid anecdotes that reveal unexpected moments throughout their illustrious careers.”
Writing about the two Nigerians on the programme, the festival organisers said: “Luminaries in Nigeria’s film scene, Kunle Afolayan and Genevieve Nnaji have attained dazzling success on their own terms.
“Celebrated as the leading lady of Nollywood and the face of African cinema, Nnaji has been showered with awards for her work in films such as Ijé: The Journey, Road to Yesterday, and Half of a Yellow Sun.
“A hugely successful producer and media entrepreneur, Nnaji strives to generate positive images of Africa and is a major voice in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
“Following in the footsteps of his father, beloved actor, producer, and director Ade Love, Afolayan garnered accolades with his directorial debut, The Figurine (sic), and continues to innovate as a filmmaker and industry heavyweight.
“Hailed as ‘Scorsese in Lagos’ by The New York Times, Afolayan has elevated the standards of Nigerian cinema over the past decade with elaborate release strategies — including the premiere of The CEO on a Lagos-Paris Air France flight — to establish himself as a key driving force behind the new Nollywood.”
Kunle and Genevieve are expected to illuminate the complex dynamics behind the rise of Nollywood.
The 41st Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 8 to 18, 2016.
