The life of one of Nigeria's greatest poets, Christopher Okigbo, will from Saturday, September 28 come to the big screen in Lagos courtesy of Lights, Camera, Africa!!! 2013, a film festival which lasts till October 1.
Award-winning Nigerian- Welsh director, Branwen Okpako's The Pilot and the Passenger will make its world premiere at this year's edition of the film festival, telling the captivating story of Okigbo, a celebrated post-colonial poet, traditional priest and Biafran soldier.
Organisers of the film festival say they are bringing Lagosians a refreshing selection of African and Diasporan films all free-of-charge at The Wheatbaker, The British Council, The Southern Sun Hotel and Freedom Park in Lagos.
The annual fiesta will open with Chinonye Chukwu's Alaskaland, the coming-of-age story of a Nigerian raised in Alaska. From Clemente Bicocchi comes Black Africa White Marble, where a descendant of the Italian explorer who gave his name to Congo-Brazzaville uncovers a plot that threatens to sully that name. And Confusion Na Wa, by Kenneth Gyang, gives powerful social commentary on how the miscarriage of justice incites people to take the law into their hands. Roy Agyemang's Mugabe: Villain or Hero? explores the relationship between the Zimbabwean leader and the West against the backdrop of the tussle for minerals and land. Agyemang draws on archival footage and original shots that offer unprecedented access to Mugabe and his entourage. The Stuart Hall Project is a film on the Jamaican-raised part Scottish, part African, part Portuguese Jew cultural theorist and sociologist. Director John Akomfrah's portrayal of Hall's life, work and cultural impact explores issues of identity, cultural acceptance, immigration and assimilation that more of us are facing in a globalised world.
This year's edition of the festival will feature Côte d'Ivoire's first ever 3D feature animation about a princess who tries to stop war from breaking out in the 18th century kingdom after a warrior seizes power. Children over eight years old and animation buffs are encouraged to catch Pokou Ashanti Princess by Afrikatoon Production.
The theme of the festival is 'Great Migrations' and it is organised by The Life House in conjunction with the African Film Festival Inc., New York, and Nadia Denton.
National Mirror