As film enthusiasts anticipate the film festival scheduled to be held from May 2-5, 2024, in Paris, here are the 12 African films selected for the film festival.
By Hope Ibiale
In preparation for the 2024 edition of the Nollywood Week Film Festival, the organisers have unveiled the films that will be screened at the festival. As film enthusiasts anticipate the film festival scheduled to be held from May 2-5, 2024, in Paris, here are the 12 African films selected for the film festival.
All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White (Nigeria)
All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White, a debut film by Nigerian director, Babatunde Apalowo, tells the story of two young men who form a powerful connection in Nigeria — where homosexuality is illegal. All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White stars Tope Tedela, Riyo David, Martha Ehinome, Uche Chika Elumelu, and Floyd Anekwe.
A Quiet Monday (Nigeria)
Dika Ofoma’s A Quiet Monday revolves around two siblings, Kamnonu (Uzoamaka Aniunoh) and Ogbonna (Emmanuel Igwe), whose lives are thrown into disarray when they defy a mandatory sit-at-home protest enforced by loyalists of a secessionist group leader.
Sista (Nigeria)
Written and directed by Biodun Stephen, Sista follows a single mother’s sacrifice to protect her children from her past when their father comes back into their lives and attempts to steal their children’s attention. It’s a story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. It stars Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bisola Aiyeola, Tope Olowoniyan, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Chiamaka Uzokwe, Chris Iheuwa, Adeoluwa Akintoba, Blessing Jessica Obasi, Chimezie Imo, Blessing Jessica Obasi, and Adedamola Adewale.
Dead Serious (Nigeria)
Released just in time for Valentine’s Day, Moses Inwang’s Dead Serious is a rom-com that also advocates against depression and suicide. The film features Nkem Owoh, Deyemi Okolanwon, Sharon Ooja, Tomama, and Sabinus, among others.
Mvera (Kenya)
The English and Swahili-language film takes its name from its heroine Mvera, which is the Swahili word for blessing. After being trapped by an organ trafficking ring, Mvera (Linsah Sande) embarks on a crusade against corrupt leadership in her coastal community outside Mombasa. She tries to warn her community about the dangers that are being sold to them as job opportunities when she uncovers an organ trafficking ring luring its victims with promises of work abroad. The film, which was Kenya’s official submission for the 96th Oscars ceremony, was directed by Daudi Otieno Anguka and written by Voline Ogutu. Sande stars alongside Patrick Owino, Hillary Namanje, Kibibi Salim, Susan Kadid, and Carorita Mutua.
Atoka (Nigeria)
Scheduled to screen on the second day of the film festival, Seun Afolabi’s Atoka is a coming-of-age drama that follows Wale (Soledayo Adegbite), a man faced with life’s challenges who relocates with his wife (Damilola Oni) to his hometown after losing his job. However, things take a turn when he meets a special student, Goke (Oluwatobi Fakos), and decides to help him develop his unique poetry ability.
Locked-In (Ghana)
Locked-In is a short film that follows the story of Mike and Kwesi, two friends who embark on a journey to close a lucrative deal. But their journey is plagued by an array of unplanned events. The film was written and directed by Kwame Augustine and Stephanie Boateng.
Dynamite (Ghana)
Set in Ghana, Dynamite follows Kiki, an artiste in an unhappy marriage who falls in love with Kofi, her bassist. Their love story is at risk when Kiki has to choose between her career and love life. The film was directed and written by Uche Aguh. The film features performances by Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo, Andrew Yaw Bunting, Uche Aguh, Gina Castle, and Princess Faithia Nkrumah.
Angie’s Love (Nigeria)
Directed by Bayo Lambo, Angie’s Love joins the list of African short films screening at the film festival.
Super Wouman (Togo)
Another African short film on the list, Julio Teko’s Super Wouman, follows the story of Selom, a painter who is struggling with finding inspiration. Selom blames his wife for his predicament and seeks the help of his doctor and friend, Jean, but is Selom ready to risk it all for his career? The film stars Julio Teko, Bienvenu Gagalo, and Marlene Goncalves.
L’axe Lourd (The Highway) (Cameroon)
L’axe Lourd (The Highway), an action film, tells the story of a group of criminals who collide with the law while in search of a priceless jewel. The film was directed by Stephen Nkengafec Nchongant.
Halima’s Choice (Nigeria)
Originally released in 2023 as a part of the African Folktales Reimagined anthology, Halima’s Choice, a sci-fi tale created by Korede Azeez, follows the story of Halima (Habiba Ummi Mohammed), a girl who escapes an arranged marriage and elopes with an AI humanoid into the virtual world of Napata.
This year, the festival will shine a spotlight on the dynamic intersection of AI, animation, VR, and gaming from Africa. Interested participants can purchase tickets and get the festival’s schedule here.