The inaugural Nollywood showcase event in Hollywood is billed to kick off today, at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
The event, co-presented by the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and The Grauman Egyptian Theatre, will screen films such as The Bridge by Kunle Afolayan and Isoken by Jade Osiberu.
The red-carpet event will start with opening night that will feature the screening of 93 Days, a question and answer series moderated by the chairman of the African-American wing of the Directors Guild of America and an open air, post-screening Nigerian party on the historic Hollywood Boulevard.
In a statement, operations director for the event, Maceo Willis stated that: “It is a miracle as miracles go. No one would have thought USC and The Grauman Egyptian Theatre would be interested in putting Nollywood on showcase."
“My biggest shock was that the Nigerian cultural ministry and embassy didn’t see the importance of backing an event that is the biggest showcase in African cinema history despite months of talking to them," Willis said.
Nations solicit for this opportunity that can transform a country’s film and tourism industries and Nigeria almost missed out on it. Thankfully, Air France stepped in and flew in the actors and filmmakers.
It is hopeful that, this is the beginning of greater things for Nollywood in Hollywood.”
Afolayan, Steve Gukas of 93 DAYS and Dakore Akande of ISOKEN will be the ambassadors of Nollywood.
