For the seventh consecutive year, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is supporting the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), to further strengthen the collaboration between the Nigerian and American film industries.
This year, Disney and Amazon are leading American creative industry participation at the festival. The two organizations premiered a movie each for the opening night including the participation of some of the cast. Disney hosted the African premiere of Black Panther II while Amazon screened The Nanny on Sunday, November 6.
Building on last year’s successes, AFRIFF with the support of the U.S. Mission, will award a $25,000 grant to five emerging animators who produce works in broad areas of climate change, elections and good governance, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and countering disinformation.
In his remarks at the reception for representatives from the Nigerian and American entertainment industries, the U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens hailed the growing U.S-Nigeria cultural ties. He explained that AFRIFF provides an incredible platform for artists to explore new ideas, promote dialogue, and foster valuable business connections.
“Since 2015, the U.S. Mission has partnered with AFRIFF to bring together American and Nigerian screenwriters, directors, and film experts to share ideas, network, and collaborate.
Our long-standing partnership with AFRIFF helps to further strengthen the Nigerian creative industry as well as our strategic partnership. This year’s event highlights the Nigerian movie industry’s creativity and growing global reach,” he said.
Founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, noted that the 2022 theme of the festival, “Indigenous for Global” seeks to raise awareness about African cinema, its vast potential, and the tremendous socio-economic impact it has on African economies.
“Our stories need to remain authentic, and we must find ways to make it global. In making it global, we get the right value and the right pay,” she added.