The African Film Festival has commenced with full force with the opening night which held on Sunday November 3 with a spectacular feel at the Royal Box at Cube 65 in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Nigeria’s bustling creative scene, the opening night was a celebration of African cinema, culture, and the individuals who propel the industry forward.

This year’s theme honors the resilience and growth of African filmmaking, underscoring a journey marked by dedication and tenacity.

Hosted by Nigeria’s popular comedian Bovi, the event gathered a mix of local and international dignitaries, each adding to the night’s glamorous ambiance. Among the notable figures in attendance were Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr.; and media mogul Nduka Obaigbena.

The festival’s opening film, Headless, directed by Nigerian filmmaker Michael W. Ndiomu, set a powerful tone for the weeklong event. The feature narrates the story of an ambitious filmmaker who moves to Lagos in hopes of achieving his dreams, only to face an intimidating landscape which put him at the mercy of forces beyond his control.

A significant addition to this year’s festival was the introduction of the Herbert Wigwe Trailblazer Award, honouring the late Herbert Wigwe, former Access Bank Group chairman and a long-time supporter of Nigeria’s creative industries.

In a moving tribute, the first recipients of the award were Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who were recognised for their contributions to fostering growth in Nigeria’s creative sector.

During his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the film industry’s contributions to Lagos, highlighting its role in creating employment, fostering creativity, and promoting joy among Nigerians and the global community.

“The creative industry has found a place in Lagos and it is not only in film, also in the tourism industry, fashion, music, everything that bring about that ecosystem that we all know are the real engines of change. They don’t just provide job opportunity but gives us the real joy of life”

Media giant Nduka Obaigbena also commended AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude for her enduring vision.

He said “AFRIFF Is said to be one of the biggest film festivals in Africa. I wonder why we limit ourselves, but we are one of the best in the world.”

He paid tribute to Herbert Wigwe, describing him as a steadfast advocate for creative endeavours and a cherished supporter of AFRIFF.

“I was invited to pay a tribute to one of us, who is sadly not here today. Today, we are paying a tribute to our friend and brother Herbert Wigwe, who is a sponsor of the art and supports everything creative and this evening AFRIFF is one of his products of support. We all have to support our creative industries because beyond oil, it engages all of us, it advances our culture and makes us who we are. All I say to you all is that whatever you do, be good.”

Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, echoed these sentiments, celebrating Nigeria’s influential role on the global film stage.

“We have the second largest film industry in the world and a lot of people are interested in Nigeria when it comes to film and it is commendable to have a person such as this that celebrates Nigerian film is very important because it encourages the industry itself and it also shows us as a people what can be done to improve the creative industry.”

The opening night of AFRIFF has set a high bar for the festival’s ongoing celebration of African storytelling, with events scheduled through November 9. (AriseNews TV)