Ahead of the theatrical release of Marvel Studio’s Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, celebrities, filmmakers, movie lovers and media practitioners gathered for the African Premiere of the blockbuster on the opening night of the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
The event which was held at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX, Lekki in Lagos was supported by the foremost ICT firm, MTN Nigeria. In the opening night hosted by IK Osakioduwa and South African Media personality, Anele Mdoda, it was celebration of African excellence as dignitaries and guests showed up in exciting fashion pieces that teased at Afrocentricity with a heavy dose of ingenuity.
Wakanda Forever cast and crew members Lupita Nyong’o, Ryan Coogler, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Winston Duke and Michaela Coel as well as Nigerian entertainment industry heavyweights like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Segun Arinze, Kunle Afolayan, Chigul, Darey Art Alade, Kunre Remi, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Bovi, Osas Ighodaro, Ini Edo, Adunni Ade, Daniel K. Daniel, Priscilla Ojo and Ayo Makun were some of the faces in attendance.
Speaking on the association with AFRIFF, the Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Hassan Jabber noted that the theme for AFRIFF this year, “Indigenous for Global” is something that resonates strongly with MTN Nigeria as a brand.
“We are a wholly Nigerian company making our mark on the global scene. We recently launched 5G technology in Nigeria which we believe will lead us into a revolution across different sectors, including our film industry. We also recognise the importance of storytelling and art to the development and growth of Africa and our support for AFRIFF is part of our strategy to empower and support the growth of local digital content creation and distribution.”
The ICT giant’s involvement in AFRIFF continues into the week and will see MTN Nigeria’s Chief Digital Services Officer, A’isha Umar Mumuni and the Chief Marketing Officer, Adia Sowho join the panel discussion on Storytelling and Content Distribution in a Digital Economy.
Festival attendees and the general public will also get to experience the power of 5G at the MTN VR and gaming station at Landmark Beach where masterclasses, film screenings and other activities of the festival are set to hold.
MTN continues to reiterate its commitment to the creative economy in Nigeria and Africa through this and similar endeavours like the MTN Y’ello star and its continuous support for the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) through the MTN Foundation.
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