By Yinka Akanbi
Filmmaker, CJ Obasi’s fantasy-thriller, ‘Mami Wata’, has been selected for the 2024 Joburg Film Festival in South Africa.
According to a press release shared on Monday, the 2023 film nominated for the NAACP Image Awards was selected alongside ‘Orah’ and ‘All The Colours Of The World Are Between Black and White’.
Organisers revealed that more than 60 movies were selected from a total of 30 countries, in a bid to foster relationships between local and international filmmakers.
“Showcasing a diverse range of compelling films from both local and international filmmakers, set against the vibrant backdrop of Johannesburg, this year’s festival promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic selection of cinematic gems including some of the finest films from over 30 countries,” the press release said.
CJ Obasi’s black and white movie, Mami Wata, is set in the Iyi village, where the villagers worship the mermaid deity Mami Wata. However, when children begin to die and disappear with the village under new control from a warlord, two sisters plot to save their people and restore Mami Wata’s glory to Iyi.
Produced by Oge Obasi, the cast of this movie includes Rita Edochie, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Evelyne Ily Juhen, Kelechi Udegbe, and Tough Bone.
Babatunde Apalowo’s movie ‘All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White’ tells the restrained and tender story of two men named Bambino and Bawa who meet in Lagos during a photography competition and immediately hit it off.
During long trips exploring the city, they develop a deep affection for each other. However, they have to deal with the pressure that comes with living in a society that is against homosexuality.
Written by Apalowo and produced by Damilola Orimogunje, the movie stars Tope Tedela, Riyo David, Martha Ehinome Orhiere, and Uchechika Elumelu.
Orah by Canadian-Nigerian director, Lonzo Nzekwe, follows the life of a taxi driver in Canada on a path of vengeance against a Nigerian drug trafficking ring responsible for her son’s death.
The movie features an array of stellar acts which include Oyin Oladejo, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, O.C. Ukeje, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Kelechi Udegbe, Tina Mba, Lucky Onyekachi Ejim, Ruby Akubueze, Agape Mngomezulu, Morgan Bedard, Oris Erhuero, Femi Lawson and Christopher Seivright.
