A Sneak Peak Into The Star Studded Events That Went Down At AFRIFF 2017

The prestigious Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) reopened in Lagos, Nigeria, for its 7th edition on October 29th and the festival schedule included film screenings and seminars.

Here is a timeline of all the events that went down.

Day 1: Opening Night Film— Sunday, October 29, 2017

Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Chioma Ude, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Fidelis Anosike

It kick-started its 7th Season in spectacular style at a ceremony heavy on star wattage, Sunday night, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, The Palms, Lekki, Lagos.

This year, there was a double dose of films, as the opening night selection consisted of one short film, ‘Waiting for Hassana’, an ode to the missing Chibok girls, abducted from their secondary school in 2014, directed by Ifunanya Maduka, and the Zambian entry, ‘I am not a Witch’, helmed by Rungano Nyoni. Both films were selected on the strength of their merits, as they highlight important topical social issues relating to African children.

Kemi Lala Akindoju, Wale Ojo, Uche Jombo, Linda Ejiofor, Hilda Dokubo and Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi were some of the A-list stars who made their appearance on the red carpet.

Day 2

Screening at the cinemas of 167 world class films by African Film makers, Africans in the Diaspora and Friends of Africa  and AFRIFF talent development workshops and a session was handled by veteran actress, Hilda Dokubo.

Day 3

The excitement continued Tuesday, October 31, 2017, as the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) entered its third day, opening with a lighting design masterclass facilitated by the Embassy of The United States. Mildred Okwo, Funlola Aofiyebi Raimi, Lala Akindoju, Omoye Uzamere Abba T. Makama and C.J Obasi were some of the filmmakers who participated.

Day 4

The fourth day of AFRIFF commenced with a screening of animation shorts for a selection of secondary school students at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Lekki. The films, showed different levels of artistry, but were all mostly impressive in the ways they sought to educate and entertain.

‘Gyrow’, for instance, is instructive about health and sickness, and follows the title character, a nine year old doctor who heals sick people through magical assistance. ‘Aje & Kpako’ highlights economic inequality between two 10 year olds, growing up in 80s in Nigeria.

Day 5

On the fifth day of the 2017 Africa International Film Festival, the women and entrepreneurship panel took place at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event commenced with the screening of ‘She Started It’, a rousing feature length documentary film, exploring the cultural roots of female under-representation in entrepreneurship.

The film screening was immediately followed by a panel discussion comprising a star-heavy lineup of female entrepreneurs.
Moderated by Afie Braimoh, CEO of Sacfruits and Operations Director of AFRIFF, the speakers were filmmakers, Uche Jombo and Blessing Effiom Egbe, Damilola Sobowale, and Joycee Awosika.

DAY 6

Closing Film, Felicite — a film By Alain Gomis. Félicité is a Congolese singer who desperately needs money after her 14-year-old son Samo suffers a serious accident. She soon finds financial and emotional support from Tabu, one of the regulars in the bar where she performs.

DAY 7

AFRIFF Globe Awards with Red Carpet & Cocktails.

source: Stargist