Nigerian films “Mojisola” and “This Is Lagos” have recently earned a spot in the lineup for the 2024 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), held in Los Angeles, California.
This annual event pays homage to black cinema, art, and culture, boasting a showcase of over 140 films complemented by diverse Q&A sessions and in-depth discussions.
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Kenneth Gyang, the director behind both Nigerian features, conveyed his enthusiasm for the festival’s selection in an interview with ShockNg. He highlighted the festival’s crucial role in initiating Black History Month celebrations, serving as a significant platform for the exchange of cultural perspectives and the representation of diverse narratives from the African diaspora. Gyang, as a cultural ambassador from Nigeria, expressed his excitement at presenting these cinematic stories from Cinema Kpatakpata.
“The Pan African Film Festival holds immense significance as it kickstarts the celebrations for Black History Month, providing a vital platform for cultural exchange and the representation of diverse narratives from the African diaspora. As a cultural ambassador from Nigeria, I am excited to present these stories from Cinema Kpatakpata,” he expressed.
“This Is Lagos” narrates the tale of Stevo, a young man aspiring for superstardom in a city teeming with challenges. The film delves into the hustle and bustle of life in a city like Lagos.
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The cast, led by Gabriel Afolayan as Stevo, includes Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe, Sani Muazu, David Jones David, Greg Ojefua, Mike Afolarin, Jibrin Homsuk, and Laura Pepple.
On the other hand, “Mojisola” follows the journey of a young girl on a quest to save her love while confronting an inexplicable, life-threatening illness.
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Gyang, who makes a return to the festival a decade after his first feature film was selected in 2014, expressed his happiness at being back. He recalled that in 2014, his debut feature film, “Confusion Na Wa,” received the Jury Prize at the festival. Now, a decade later, he is delighted to return with two features.
Originally slated for a nationwide premiere in December 2023, “This Is Lagos” was cancelled, with no definite rescheduling information available at the time.