NYWIFT’s International Focus is a quarterly series that celebrates the artistic, cultural and historic contributions of global cinema. This month the series will feature the evolution of Nigerian cinema throughout the diaspora. Nigerian cinema, oftentimes referred to as “Nollywood”, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and is the second largest film industry in the world. Join us for a lively conversation and celebration with talented actors, musicians, producers and directors as they share their journey and films.
Presenters
Adesiji “Siji” Awoyinka is a singer, songwriter, producer and filmmaker. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Siji spent much of his early childhood in Lagos and London before coming to the US to further pursue his musical ambitions. His music fuses elements of Soul, Jazz, Highlife, Afrobeat and Gospel music with traditional Yoruba rhythms drawn from his rich ancestral background. He has contributed songwriting and production talent to projects for Salif Keita, Cesaria Evora, Osunlade, Alix Alvarez and Wunmi. His critically acclaimed musical works, include God-Given (BBE 2004) and AdeSIJI (IVY 2008). Siji”s work as a director and producer has appeared on MTV, BBC, VH1, BET and many others. His most recent and critically acclaimed video, Ijo, was shot in Lagos and showcases several of the popular dance trends in Nigeria today. Siji will screen clips from Elder’s Corner as well as perform his music.
Alexander Etseyatse is a writer, director and all-around arts enthusiast with the shorts First Sight and Caught Up to his credit. Additional credits through his company AE Films include Abidjan, Mikel’s Faith and Four One Nine which have toured over 80 film festivals. His films have garnered 25 awards worldwide in Cannes, Berlin, South Africa and Los Angeles. Abidjan and Mikel’s Faith are now available on Amazon. Etseyatse is presently in development on his first feature Otis.
Linda Obasi is a Nigerian born filmmaker raised in the U.S. She produced Overseas, a feature film starring Patience Ozokwor. Overseas was shot in Nigeria and the States and completed in 2013. Obasi is the screenwriter and associate producer for Beast Amongst Us, a feature film exploring domestic violence that will be released in 2015. The film was directed by Alex Mouth and produced by Bukky Wright, two prolific artists in Nigeria. Obasi has also produced several shorts, including Couranay in 2014, a film exploring the relationship of Americans to recent immigrants from countries with which the US is engaged in war.
Produced by Rosalind Murphy
