The Story
Day 4 of the 13th edition of AFRIFF featured an engaging lineup of five panel discussions and a diverse selection of film screenings, including shorts, documentaries, and feature films.
Tell Me More
Day 4 of the 13th AFRIFF was dynamic and enriching, featuring five insightful panel sessions and screenings of diverse films. The day began with the panel titled Animating the Future: Iwaju and the Evolution of African Storytelling, featuring Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku and Hamid Ibrahim, moderated by Adebimpe Adebambo. The speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining authentic African storytelling and cultural integrity, especially when partnering with international companies like Disney. Their discussion underscored the value of creative autonomy and ensuring that African stories are relatable to both local and global audiences.
Another significant session, Animation as a Medium for Cultural Expression and Education, included panelists Godin Akpan, Duru Azubike, and Chekwube Okwonkwo, moderated by *Adebimpe Adebambo. They highlighted animation’s powerful role in preserving African culture and educating audiences, citing examples like their work on SIP. They argued for stories that go beyond entertainment to serve as cultural artifacts that safeguard and project African heritage for future generations.
The panel on Global Gaming Success in Nigeria: The Road to International Markets, featured Hugo Obi and Michael Oscar Esio, with Bukola Akingbade as moderator. The discussion focused on the importance of collaboration and integration within the Nigerian gaming industry. Panelists called for stronger ties between gaming, animation, and comics, and stressed the need for expanded expertise in marketing and legal support to strengthen the industry’s reach internationally.
The session titled The Role and Place of Faith-Based Films in Mainstream Media, moderated by Shawn Faqua , included panelists like BB Sasore, Laju Iren, Michelle Dede, Kene Okwuosa, and Kemi Adesoye. They advocated for the strategic growth of faith-based films, highlighting the genre’s potential as a powerful tool for positive influence and emphasizing that faith-based narratives should be treated as serious, impactful stories that can resonate in mainstream media. They also discussed partnerships like the one between FilmOne and Angel Studios and stressed the importance of creating business models to support the genre’s growth.
The day also featured screenings of various films, including Ancestry (short), Don’t Be Late for My Funeral (documentary), and the highly impactful The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (feature). This social thriller, directed and written by The Agbajowo Collective, moved the audience, highlighting the struggles of Lagos’ waterfront slum residents who face displacement without relocation plans. Starring Debo Adebayo and Temiloluwa Ami-Phillips, it tells the story of a young mother who finds herself fighting for her community after uncovering corruption tied to luxury condo development. The film resonated deeply with viewers, sparking discussions on resilience and social justice.
In Summary
Day 4 concluded on an enthusiastic note, leaving participants eager for the upcoming events and discussions.
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