The highly anticipated 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) kicked off on November 3, 2024, in Lagos with a dazzling opening night at the Royal Box by Cube 65, Victoria Island.

Under this year’s dynamic theme, Indigenous to Global, AFRIFF 2024 Showcased Africa’s rich cultural heritage while positioning its creatives at the forefront of Global cinematic innovation.The festival, which celebrates the power of storytelling, brought together an impressive Array of government dignitaries, cinema icons, international guests, and industry leaders.

Guests were treated to a memorable evening of glitz and glamour, including a red carpet And power photo session with renowned photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi inside the Mikano showroom. The night also honoured the late Herbert Wigwe, a beloved patron of

The festival, with the inaugural AFRIFF Trailblazer Award, presented by Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, and Chairman of

Arise Television, Nduka Obaigbena to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and AFREXIM Bank President Benedict Oramah for their exceptional contributions to the arts And creative industries.

Download BAO E-MAGAZINE

The festivities continued with a screening of Michael W. Ndiomu’s highly anticipated film Headless, which set the tone for a week of bold, thought-provoking African cinema Exploring local and global narratives.

A Week of Visionary Conversations and Global Networking 

AFRIFF 2024 was a celebration of African filmmaking and a vibrant hub for cross-industry Collaboration and exchange. 

The festival’s opening day set the stage for stimulating Discussions, starting with ‘Herbert Day’, a tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe’s lifelong Commitment to the arts.

The “Financing the Future: Investing in Film for Global Prosperity” panel brought together Leaders from top financial institutions, including PAC Capital, AFREXIM Bank, Chapel Hill Denham and the Bank of Industry, who engaged in a robust discussion about the growing Opportunities and challenges of financing African film on the global stage.

A highlight of the week was a captivating fireside chat with actor John Boyega, moderated By Fela Oke. 

The British-born Nigerian star shared his inspiring journey from London’s film School to his iconic role in Star Wars. His candid conversation captivated the audience, Offering valuable insights into the evolving relationship between African heritage and International cinema.

AFRIFF’s networking events further cemented the festival’s role as a vital bridge between African creatives and the global industry. The U.S. Consul General kicked off the festivities

With their annual cocktail reception at the official residence, offering an evening of vibrant Conversation and cross-cultural exchange. Meanwhile, the French Consulate hosted a chicwelcome party at Kaly Restaurant, where guests mingled over delicious food and Celebrated the power of international collaboration.

A standout moment was when Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, hosted an exclusive Gathering at Mr. Panther Lagos for 40 influential women making waves in the cultural and Entertainment sectors. The intimate dinner highlighted the vital contributions of women Shaping Africa’s creative industries, offering a platform for inspiration and connection.

Adding a touch of culinary and artistic flair, Chef Eros of IleEros treated John Boyega and a Select group of friends to an eclectic dinner that celebrated the intersection of food, Fashion, and performance. The evening was a true celebration of African culture in all its Forms. 

To top it all off, Skepta was warmly welcomed by the French Embassy at an exclusive Event, rounding off an unforgettable week of global industry connections and cultural Celebration.

African Storytelling Shines on the Global Stage

 Throughout the week, AFRIFF 2024 showcased the versatility and richness of African Storytelling in film, television, and animation. Disney’s insightful panel, “Animating the Future: Iwaju and the Evolution of African Storytelling,” introduced audiences to Iwaju, an African-inspired animated series set to redefine how the world sees African narratives inAnimation.

On Television Day, DSTV presented the panel “Local Production for Global Appeal,” diving Deep into how African television content is carving out a distinct identity with international

Audiences. The day also marked the premiere of two highly anticipated films:

Basketmouth’s debut feature, A Ghetto Love Story, and Kunle Afolayan’s Recall, both of Which showcase the depth and diversity of contemporary African filmmaking.

An Electric Conclusion 

The festival wrapped up with a powerful panel, “Fashion in African Cinema: Defining an African Identity,” moderated by Latasha Ngwube featuring Mai Atafo, Yolanda Okereke, Daniel Obasi, Ugo Mozie and Bolaji Animashaun.

 The panel explored the vital role of Fashion in expressing and defining African identity in the cinematic world. 

There were a series of emotional, thought-provoking moments, including the premiere of Skepta’s short film Tribal Mark, which explores African diaspora experiences, and the Closing screening of Obi Emelonye’s Out of Breath, a compelling drama addressing Pressing societal issues.

Looking Ahead: AFRIFF 2024 Sets the Tone for the Future of African Cinema 

As AFRIFF 2024 draws to a close, one thing is clear: African cinema is on the rise and Poised for global recognition. This year’s festival celebrated the power of African creativity And storytelling, highlighting the incredible work of filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders who set new standards of excellence. AFRIFF is solidifying its role as a driving force for African cinema internationally with its continued focus on cultural exchange, industry innovation, and global collaboration.

As the world continues to turn its eyes toward Africa, AFRIFF 2024 has set the stage for a future where African voices lead the charge in global film and media.

Maison Martell, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, proudly announces the launch of the Martell Tower, an iconic architectural landmark in Lagos. This audacious creation embodies Martell’s 300-year legacy, blending French elegance with Nigerian vibrancy.

The message was mind-sparking: ” Dear Swift One, we are thrilled to invite you to be among the first to soar to new Heights at the Martell Tower.” This immersive journey explores cognac craftsmanship across four unique floors.

The iconic tower’s journey begins at L’Atelier – Art of Cognac and Boutique, offering Martell’s extensive cognac range, exclusive merchandise and personalized bottles. Guests progress to L’Atelier – Taste and Tour for a dedicated tasting experience, then L’Atelier – Mixology to craft signature cocktails guided by certified mixologists. La Suite 1715 showcases Martell’s rich legacy, while L’Horizon is perfect for exclusive gatherings. Each level of the Tower, taking guests deeper into the world of Martell.

Download BAO E-MAGAZINE

“From mouthwatering bites to premium cocktails, every detail made for a wonderfully convivial night. Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Mr Michael Ehindero, said that ‘This groundbreaking tower embodies Martell’s unwavering commitment to innovation and African elegance. He added that the Martell Tower is pioneering design and premium experience and is the first of its kind in Africa.

The company’s Marketing Director, Evane Chenuet, expressed that: “The Martell Tower Experience embodies our daring spirit and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. It’s more than a building; it’s a symbol of our legacy and our future.”

The Tower will host a series of exclusive events, including fashion exhibitions, exclusive auctions, and musical performances in the coming months.

Rite Foods Limited, a market leader in the food and beverage industry, and Popbeach Club have unveiled the 2024 edition of ‘Riteonthebeach’ Festival with a Symposium for students of tertiary institutions in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Law Faculties to create awareness on the values inherent in ecological preservation. The event was held in Lagos, on Monday, 11th November 2024.

The Festival which is in its fourth year and the beginning of the ‘Riteonthebeach’ Residency programme, is intended to unlock the value in plastic, the environment, and human development using data collected through scientific methods, and to provide a realistic valuation for the importance of saving the Lagos Western Peninsula and its adjacent mangrove forests.

Download BAO E-MAGAZINE

This partnership between Rite Foods and Popbeach Club, a Lagos Eco-Resort, is conceived to combat ocean plastic pollution, improve literacy, and create employment opportunities by facilitating the exchange of waste plastic for recycling and education scholarships for children in shoreline communities.

In his remark, the Head, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Ekuma Eze who was represented by Dennis Aideloje, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Manager, Rite Foods Limited, said, “Riteonthebeach is part of the company’s commitment to proffering sustainable solutions to the plastic menace and equipping young Nigerians with the insights and skills needed to address the challenges of climate change.”

“Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles that litter the beaches and waterways require immediate action and through the ‘Riteonthebeach’ Symposium, Rite Foods hopes to ignite a sense of purpose that drives each participant to take responsibility for eliminating plastics on the coastline”, he added.

Eze reiterated that, “If plastics continue to choke the nation’s waterways and shorelines, the capacity to absorb carbon and support biodiversity will be drastically reduced, hence the need to keep them free from plastics which can be recycled into other useful products.”

Akin Disu, the Founder of Popbeachclub averred that the new project will remove the plastics, process and recycle onsite to plastic pellets, and a whole lot more using blockchain technology for transparency. He said by using technology and data, ‘Rite On The Beach’ can create tools to determine a realistic valuation for the region and provide the required developmental capital to deliver sustainable growth to the region.

“Our aim is to provide a template for ecological preservation and sustainable development of rural communities through collaboration and community engagement”, he stated.

According to Disu, while eco-tourism is a cornerstone of ‘Riteonthebeach’ mission, the shift towards carbon accountability is of crucial importance, in line with Lagos State’s significant step to carbon neutrality, a global requirement for responsible development.

He said over the past three years, the ecological conservation project has removed approximately 30 tons of plastic bottles and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for recycling, and has created jobs, scholarships, and training for over 1,000 youths in coastal communities.