Agbajowo Collective’s film The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos and Merzak Allouache’s Front Row were selected to screen at the Centerpiece Programme.
By Hope Ibiale
Nigeria’s Agbajowo Collective’s film, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, and Algerian director Merzak Allouache’s Front Row have been selected to screen at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The films will feature in the line-up for the Centrepiece programme which will screen 43 titles from filmmakers representing 41 countries.
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, a debut from Nigeria’s Agbajowo Collective, is a thriller with flecks of magical realism, telling a story about the government’s forced evictions of informal settlements.
Inspired by the directors’ lived experiences, the film stars Temi Ami-Williams (Eyimofe – This Is My Desire) and celebrity activist-actor Adebowale Adedayo (a.k.a. Mr Macaroni, also at the Festival with Discovery selection Freedom Way). The Agbajowo Collective is made up of filmmakers like James Tayler, Ogungbamila Temitope, Okechukwu Samuel, Mathew Cerf, Tina Edukpo, Bisola Akinmuyiwa, and A.S. Elijah.
Front Row is Allouache’s 19th feature film is a family-friendly comedy about feuding matriarchs battling over the best beachfront spot.
The TIFF Centrepiece selection has been programmed by Jason Anderson, Kelly Boutsalis, Diana Cadavid, Robyn Citizen, Giovanna Fulvi, Nataleah Hunter-Young, June Kim, Dorota Lech, Jason Ryle, and Norm Wilner. The Toronto International Film Festival will be held from September 5th to 15th, 2024. It will also feature activities such as an industry conference, panel discussions, and other special events.