Lagos – The Lagos State Government has congratulated eight Lagos-based film directors whose latest films would be screened to global audience at the Toronto International Film Festival holding in Toronto, Canada.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
Ayorinde said that the 41st edition of the festival slated for Sept. 8 to 18 would focus on Lagos State in its City to City, the first African city to be so honoured.
The commissioner said that the festival would celebrate the talents and creativity that abound in Lagos with the unprecedented selection of eight new films by Lagos-based film makers.
“The government is happy to confirm the selection of eight Lagos-made feature films at the Toronto International Film Festival coming up in September.
“We are happy that as the birthplace of Nollywood and the state that is regarded as one of the world’s most productive film locations in the world, Lagos State will be the centre of attraction in Toronto, Canada this year, ‘’ he said.
Ayorinde said that two outstanding actors and film makers, Kunle Afolayan and Genevieve Nnaji, were also selected to discuss their works on the world stage.
He said that as the first African city to be so honoured at the festival, the focus on Lagos in Toronto confirmed its arrival on the world stage.
The commissioner said that it also showed how the global creative community acknowledged the potential that was associated with professionals in the motion picture industry of the state.
He listed the selected films to include: 76 directed by Izu Ojukwu; 93 Days by Steve Gukas; The Wedding Party by Kemi Adetiba; and The Arbitration by Niyi Akinmolayan.
Others include: Taxi Driver directed by Daniel Oriahi; Okafor’s Law by Omoni Oboli; Just Not Married by Uduak-Obong Patrick; and Green White Green directed by Abbah Makama.
Ayorinde said two of the selected films enjoyed the support of the state government during production.
He said that the thrust of all the films would highlight different aspects of lives and historical developments in the state and in Nigeria in general.
“While 76 revisit the political upheaval of 1976 that led to the assassination of the late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, 93 Days examined the bravery of the late Dr Stella Adadevoh and the Lagos State Government in combating the dreaded Ebola virus in 2014.
“We are pleased that filmmakers are exploring themes that are strong enough to attract global attention.
“The focus on Lagos State this year, therefore, signals the beginning of a rewarding global attention to our creative artists and the inherent potential in the state as destination of choice for international filmmakers, visitors and investors, ‘’ he said.
Ayorinde said that the state government would have a pavilion at the festival to properly take advantage of the opportunities and co-host a befitting reception for the Nigerian filmmakers as well as offer support to the industry delegation. (NAN)
