The British Film Institute (BFI) has officially selected the Nollywood film “The Weekend“.Daniel Oriahi directed the film. It is to screen at the prestigious 68th edition of its London Film Festival. The BFI Film Festival in London will occur from October 9th to October 20th, 2024.
The lineup for the festival boasts an impressive 255 titles, including features, shorts, series, and immersive works. They represent a diverse range of 80 countries and feature 64 languages.
Following the successful premiere of his new feature film on August 30th, 2024, Oriahi took to Instagram to share the exciting news of The Weekend‘s selection for the BFI Film Festival. The film garnered a remarkable ₦8 million at the box office.
“I am deeply honoured and proud to announce that The Weekend has been officially selected to screen at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, the largest film festival in the UK. This selection comes as The Weekend continues to break box office records for its genre in Nollywood. The Weekend will be showcased in the BFI (LFF) Cult Section alongside some of the most anticipated thrillers and horror films of the fall season. I am equally thrilled to join the ranks of extraordinary new wave Nigerian filmmakers like @kennethgyang @fierycj @abbatmakama @mikegouken @damiorimogunje and @chukoesiri , whose works have graced past editions of this prestigious festival,” he said.
Oriahi began his filmmaking journey by producing and directing Misfit.
This is a psychological horror film, as his debut feature on a limited budget. He has also directed other notable works, including Taxi Driver: Oke Ashewo in 2015 and Sylvia in 2018.
The selection committee for the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York reviewed numerous submissions. They chose Oriahi’s comeback film, The Weekend, for screening at the festival. This selection made The Weekend the only Nollywood film to feature at the international event this year.
The Weekend is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Nikiya Talabi, an orphan girl yearning for family. Nikiya visits her fiancée’s seemingly perfect family, only to uncover their sinister secret. The film boasts a talented cast. This includes Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, and Damilola Ogunsi.
Nollywood filmmaker Omoni Oboli disclosed that she exchanged her scripts for acting roles early in her career, which motivated her to pursue directing.
In an interview with Radionow 95.3 FM, Oboli recounted the challenges she faced at the start of her filmmaking journey, including giving away her screenplays for free and trying to direct her own films.
“I was trading my scripts, I’d say you know what, just take it, don’t pay me. Just give me a role in the film. So, I started to do that. But then I’ll watch the film and I realised, Okay it’s not quite what I had in my head when I was writing cos I see what I’m writing, I write in pictures. I see what I’m writing, so when I’m watching the movie it’s so different. Not to say that it wasn’t good because no two directors will direct the same script in the same way. So I said to myself, if my stories are going to have my DNA, then I’m going to have to direct them myself,” she said.
Omoni Oboli emphasized that she felt hesitant at the beginning of her directing journey. She lacked confidence but mustered up the courage to pursue her dreams.
“And it was a scary thought, really who do you think you are to come and direct a film? Like who are you again? You know it was so scary, but then I said to myself, Warri no dey carry lass na. Wwetin dem get wey I no get? I was like, I’ll do this thing. So I started understudying directors, like I’m acting on set but I’m watching the director closely. And I said you know what? Maybe I need some formal education on this. So I went to the New York Film Academy for a short course,” she added.
Nollywood filmmaker Ted Abudu has announced the upcoming release of her new movie, “A Night in 2005.” The film is scheduled to premiere in cinemas on October 11, 2024.
In an Instagram post, Ted Abudu expressed her enthusiasm for the release of her latest directorial project.
“Literally shaking as I post this. Ladies and Gents, I present to you the first official poster for my feature film titled A Night in 2005.
“So much to say but please help us just enjoy this very fine poster!
“The year was 2005 and the night was young until everything changed within the blink of an eye.
“Get ready for an epic drama of love, friendship, and family.
“#ANightin2005 hits all cinemas on the 11th of October. Mark your calendars!” the post said.
Ted Abudu, a renowned Nollywood filmmaker, is the daughter of media mogul Mo Abudu. Mo Abudu is the CEO of Ebonylife Group, a leading media and entertainment company in Nigeria. Abudu has made significant contributions to the industry with her short film “Crash” and the web series “Money Men Marriage.”
In July 2024, she had the opportunity to participate in a four-week residency for filmmakers hosted by African Creative TV (ACTV) in Los Angeles.
Abudu has also revealed the talented cast members who will bring her new film “A Night in 2005” to life. The ensemble includes Ini Dinma-Okojie, Efa Iwara, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Taye Arimoro,Laura Pepple, Susan Pwajok, Shamz Garuba, Demi Banwo, Olaiya Kayode Aderupoko, Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Timilehin Ojeola, Inem King, Harriet Akintola, Daniella Peters, and ChrisAkwarandu Esther Amanda-Jacob.
Inem King produced the film, and Ebonylife Place provided location support. FilmOneEntertainment has been appointed as the official distributor for “A Night in 2005.”
Filmone’s drama-thriller “Farmer’s Bride” stars Tobi Bakre and Gbubemi Ejeye. They command attention in the intense new trailer. Set to release in cinemas on September 27th, the film combines elements of love, betrayal, and supernatural revenge, promising an exciting storyline.
Adebayo Tijani and Jack’enneth Opukeme directed the movie which features an ensemble cast. This cast includes Femi Branch,Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wunmi Toriola.
The plot transports viewers to 1980s Ibadan, where the story centres on Funmi, a young woman trapped in an unwanted marriage. Funmi, played by Gbubemi Ejeye, is forced into a union with Odun, portrayed by Tobi Bakre, a wealthy yet lonely farmer.
While Odun offers her financial security, Funmi’s heart belongs to someone else. Her emotional turmoil deepens as she struggles to cope with a life she didn’t choose, and her resentment toward Odun intensifies.
As Funmi finds herself torn between duty and desire, she becomes involved with another man who ignites a passion in her that Odun never could. This affair pushes her into a precarious situation, where the consequences of her choices begin to take a dangerous turn. The film explores themes of loyalty, desire, and the supernatural, as Funmi’s decisions spiral into a web of deadly repercussions.
“Farmer’s Bride” not only delves into the complexity of relationships but also incorporates elements of supernatural vengeance. This adds depth and intrigue to the plot. The film promises gripping performances from the cast. Indeed, with visually striking scenes and a gripping storyline, the film will keep the audience on edge.
As the September 27 release date approaches, viewers can expect a compelling mix of love, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of difficult choices.
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