Ahead of the first screening of Nigerian film, EYIMOFE (This Is My Desire) on Friday, July 23, at the Film Forum, 209 West Houston Street, New York, United States, Africa Center’s CEO Uzodinma Iweala recently had an Instagram Live chat with co-directors of the award-winning film Arie and Chuko Esiri.
Organised in partnership with Janus Films, which has acquired the right for the film for the North American market, the special conversation saw Iweala engage the Esiri twins on their debut film EYIMOFE and their experience working on the debut feature film project.
The conversation, which had a virtual audience from across the globe, covered the journey the brothers took to get the film made; from finding funding entirely within Nigeria to shooting in over 40 locations in Lagos, and the delicate balance of love and critique that they brought to portraying their home country on screen.
In keeping with the theme of the film, the discussion opened up to broader ideas of home and migration, looking at what makes one desire to leave a place, what happens when that is not possible, and how the film’s exploration of these concerns speaks to the past, present, and future of Nigeria.
The Africa Center in New York is transforming the world’s understanding of Africa, its Diaspora and the role of people of African descent in the world. Serving as the hub for the exchange of ideas around culture, business, and policy related to the continent, and in the spirit of collaboration and engagement with individuals and institutions who share the Center’s values.
The film’s release this week is with the support of the Consulate General of Nigeria, New York. To find out more information regarding the release locations and tickets please visit: www.eyimofemovie.com
Fully financed in Nigeria and shot on 16mm, Eyimofe is the first film from GDN Studios. Directed by twin brothers, Arie and Chuko Esiri and produced by Melissa O. Adeyemo, executive producers include Maiden Alex Ibru, Toke Alex Ibru, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, Kayode Akindele, and Ifeoma Esiri.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, Eyimofe, a two-chapter film, follows the stories of Mofe (Jude Akuwudike), a factory technician, and Rosa (Temi Ami-Williams), a hairdresser, on their quest for what they believe will be a better life on foreign shores.
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