‘Almajiri’, a film by Nigerian comedian and film producer, Ayo ‘AY’ Makun, will close the 2022 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) on November 12, organisers have revealed.
Inspired by true-life events, the Toka McBaror-directed film, is centered on the Almajiri system prevalent in northern Nigeria.
AFRIFF’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chioma Ude, who disclosed this at a press conference held at the Alliance Française de Lagos, also announced that this year’s festival is in collaboration with Prime Video and Amazon Studios with the theme ‘Indigenous for Global’.
She added that African entertainment was rapidly evolving, and the 11th AFRIFF would reflect that.
“Filmmaking has evolved rapidly in Africa over the last two decades, and this year’s edition is designed to influence global perspectives of African films and storytelling. We intend to continue to empower our storytellers to explore ideologies and techniques that appeal to a larger global audience,” Ude said.
Similarly, ‘Nanny’, after a successful outing at the Sundance Film Festival, will open the festival on November 6. It tells the story of a mother’s relentless pursuit of a better future for herself and her child.
‘Nanny’ is the winner of the 2022 Sundance Dramatic Grand Jury Prize, marking the first time a horror film, and the second time a Black female director, received the award.
AFRIFF’s organisers revealed that over 4000 entries were received this year with more than 500 entries submitted from the Republic of Iran only. They said the surge in the number of submissions from outside the continent informed the festival’s decision to include International categories for Best Feature, Short Film, Documentary and Animation.
The 2022 edition of AFRIFF, expected to run between November 6 and 12, will feature screenings, masterclasses & workshops, panel discussions & presentations, fireside chats, country presentations and the Globe awards.