The film celebrates the rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscape of Enugu State.
By Helena Olori
Ifedichie, a new film by Nigerian filmmaker and actor, Brown Ene, is gearing up for its official premiere across cinemas nationwide on November 17, 2023.
The film, produced by Ene and directed by Keny Basil and Ben Cassie, is a collaborative effort of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu chapter, with support from the Enugu State Government.
In an Instagram post announcing the news, Ene stated that the film was birthed from a talent hunt/film production sponsored by the former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. It was shot in Enugu and projects the beautiful scenery, lifestyle, and culture of the state.
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Ifedichie, shot by Austin King and Uche in the scenic coal city of Enugu, follows the story of a university-trained girl from the village, who decides to embrace her roots in the quest to achieve her lofty dreams which the big city has failed to give her. She overcomes certain obstacles along the way, in other to achieve the dreams she harbours.
The film, a nominee of the 9th AMVCA Indigenous Movie (Igbo) category, stars veteran actors Pete Edochie, Chiwetalu Agu, and Ebele Okaro, as well as rising stars Jide Kene, Scarlet Gomez, Chinelo Enemchukwu, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, Chika Okpala, and others.
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The film has also received international recognition even before its official release. Ifedichie was awarded Best Film Foreign Language at the 2023 Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival, Canada, and received honours as Best Feature Film at the Eastern Europe Film Festival and Best Narrative Film at the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival. It also received five nominations from the African Cultural Film Festival (AFRICUFF), USA.
Ifedichie is distributed by Blue Pictures Film Distribution Company and will mark its official nationwide release in cinemas on November 17, 2023.
Watch the teaser video here.