The Story⚡
Day 5 of AFRIFF 2024, themed Television Day, explored different panel discussions revolving around TV production. The day wrapped with the screening of two episodes of Showmax’s new show, Princess on a Hill.
Tell Me More
The panel sessions for the day opened with Local Production for Global Appeal – DSTV Showcase moderated by Mojibade Sosanya. The panelists for the session included Seyi Babatope, Chuka Ejorh, Victor Sanchez, Scarlet Gomez, and Yolanda Okereke. The session looked at how and why African filmmakers can and should make films that have global relevance. Speaking of what an African story is, Yolanda Okereke said, “Telling an African story is not until the characters wear leaves around their bodies or live in the bush. An African story is that story told in Africa, and any African can do that.” Similarly, Scarlet Gomez mentioned that no one can tell African stories like Africans.”
Moderated by Lilian Amah, the second session, titled Innovative Formats and Genres: The Future of African Television/Distribution Challenges, discussed new methods that can be used to better the future of television in Africa. Charles Novia, Ayo Animashaun, Agatha Amata, Adedeji Adeniji, and Yinka Obebe were the panelists. In the words of Ayo Animashaun, “The world has evolved, and there’s a lot of new ways to do things. To get our content out there, we must learn to evolve to the new channels of content distribution.”
The third session, Producing TV Shows and Series: Challenges and Solutions, looked at the huddles and possible remedies for television production.
In the fourth panel session, Pan-African Distribution Networks: Expanding the Reach of African TV and Cinema, the panelists, which comprised Christopher Gray, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, and Opeyemi Ajayi, spoke on how African TV and cinema products can enjoy more distribution. For Opeyemi Ajayi, funding is a major necessity for the desired expansion. “I think the major problem we have is funding because even if the structure is available and there’s no funding for it, it will make no difference,” he said.
Later that evening, Kunle Afolayan’s Recall and Bright ‘Basketmouth’ Okpocha’s A Ghetto Love Story were screened.
Kunle Afolayan’s latest film, a psychological drama rooted in themes of African spirituality, premiered to much anticipation. This thematic focus is familiar in Afolayan’s work, as seen in his films Irapada, Figurine, and Anikulapo. The story follows Anita and her husband, Goke, as they navigate the challenges that arise when Anita loses her memory on their tenth wedding anniversary. Determined to restore her health and memory, the couple embarks on a compelling journey. The audience responded enthusiastically, though the ending sparked mixed feelings. The film, featuring Sharon Oja, Olarotimi Fakunle, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Tina Mba, and a cameo by Afolayan himself, marks Afolayan’s return to the box office after Mokalik (2019). It is set to hit cinemas in February.
Basketmouth’s A Ghetto Love Story is a poignant romantic drama centred around Obinna and Stella, childhood friends whose dreams of a lifelong connection are overshadowed by life’s harsh realities. Despite their humble backgrounds, their bond brings them immense joy. It stars Akah Nnani, Basketmouth, Beverly Osu, Chimezie Imo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Dorathy Bachor, Efe Irele, Ehiz Okoeguale, Genoveva Umeh, Jude Chukwuka, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Romeo Horsfall, Senator, Vandora Vandora, Victoria Eze, and Wale Ojo. The movie was received with applause and excitement from the audience. While commenting on the film, Basketmouth mentioned that it was motivated by real happenings. It is set to launch in cinemas across Nigeria on the 22nd of November, 2024.
Away from The Palms Mall screening centres of this year’s AFRIFF, Showmax debuted two episodes of its new show, Princess on a Hill. The series tells the story of Zara, played by Onyinye Odokoro, a young and naïve woman whose life takes an unexpected turn after winning the prestigious Lawson Group’s Leading Ladies reality show.
With a taste of the two episodes, the audience was left salivating for more, desiring to know where the story of Zara will lead. The series is remarkably appealing due to its compelling storyline, cinematography, and cast assemblage. It’s no sweet-talking to say that Showmax does know how to make a show with maximum quality.
Princess on a Hill is produced and directed by Tolu Ajayi and Abiola Sobo, and it stars Onyinye Odokoro, Bimbo Manuel, Efa Iwara, and Iretiola Doyle.
In Summary
Television Day at AFRIFF 2024 was full of insights into television production in Africa. Though beset with many challenges, the future looks promising for television.
