The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is set to kick off its 12th edition with a bang as it announces the opening night movie, ORAH, a powerful crime thriller directed by the acclaimed Nigerian/Canadian filmmaker Lonzo Nzekwe.
According to a statement by Latasha Ngwube, Head of PR & Media for AFRIFF 2023,
This exciting event will take place from November 5th to 11th, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria, continuing the festival’s tradition of celebrating the art of cinema and storytelling.
ORAH is a character-driven crime thriller that delves into the intense journey of a female taxi driver in Toronto seeking revenge for her son’s brutal murder, perpetrated by a high-profile Nigerian criminal involved in drug trafficking. Lonzo Nzekwe, the film’s director, shares a personal connection to the story, as his own brother fell victim to violence in Nigeria, inspiring him to create this gripping narrative.
This film, produced by Lonzo Nzekwe, Floyd Kane and Amos Adetuyi, features a talented cast, including Oyin Oladejo, Lucky Onyekachi Ejim, Agape Mngomezulu, and more, all contributing to an emotionally charged and suspenseful cinematic experience.
Chioma Ude, the Founder & Festival Director of AFRIFF, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s edition, stating, “Filmmaking is evolving rapidly in Africa with Nigeria at the forefront of the renaissance, and this year’s edition is designed to continue to reiterate the opportunities for African films and storytelling to reflect ‘global’ perspectives for the sustained success of more local films globally.”
ORAH was filmed in both Canada and Nigeria and offers a unique perspective on themes of justice, revenge, redemption, freedom, corruption, and family separation. The film aims to leave a lasting impact on its viewers and inspire them in a positive way.
Developed over 11 years, director Lonzo Nzekwe expressed his gratitude to finally bring this story to life with a talented cast and crew, part of which was shot in Nigeria, a place integral to the film’s narrative.
This edition of AFRIFF promises to be a remarkable showcase of African and global cinema, emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a bridge to connect with audiences worldwide. The festival aims to empower storytellers to explore ideologies and techniques that resonate with a broader global audience.
As the anticipation for AFRIFF 2023 grows, film enthusiasts from both Nigeria and the international community are eagerly looking forward to experiencing the magic of cinema through the lens of “ORAH” and other captivating films. With a focus on the theme “Indigenous 2.0 Global,” this edition of AFRIFF is set to be a testament to the ever-evolving and impactful world of African filmmaking.
For more information about the festival and its programme, you can visit AFRIFF’s official website at www.afriff.com](www.afriff.com.
AFRIFF is an internationally renowned film showcase held in Lagos, Nigeria, and is dedicated to promoting and celebrating African cinema and storytelling. Founded by Chioma Ude in 2010, the festival has become a significant annual event for African filmmakers, highlighting the best in African films and stories across various categories, including feature films, shorts, student shorts, documentaries, and animations.