Nollywood heavyweights, rising filmmakers and government officials converged on Lagos as the Golden Movies Ambassadors of Nigeria (TGMAAN) hosted its maiden Lagos Film Festival.
The event, held at the KICC Dome in Maryland on 29 August, mixed red-carpet glamour with industry debate and awards. Sponsored by LAPO Microfinance Bank, the festival set out to boost Lagos’ profile as a hub for African cinema.
Panels explored Nollywood’s future, with insights from Abuja Film Festival founder Fidelis Duker, Anita Edward of Tribe Nation Film Distribution and EbonyLife’s Omotayo Queen Inakoju.
The night ended with a flurry of awards. Funke Akindele won Best Box Office Movie, Femi Adebayo took the Outstanding Movie Prize, and Tunde Olaoye bagged Best Co-Director.
Tributes also flowed for industry pioneers. Duker and Ade Ajiboye ‘Big Abass’ received Trailblazer awards, Charles Novia was named Veteran, and Pa Kola Olaiya was celebrated as the Oldest Active Actor. Nike Wellington was recognised as the Most Consistent contributor.
Some of the attendees include the Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Hon. Solomon Bonu, Hon. Otunba Babatola Faseru, Hon. Laide Bakare, who represented the Governor of Osun State, among other dignitaries.
