2023 AFRIFF to open with ‘Orah’, a revenge thriller inspired by SARS killing
‘Orah’, a crime thriller by Lonzo Nzekwe, a Nigerian-Candian filmmaker, will kick off this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
The movie is about a female taxi driver in Toronto who seeks revenge for her son’s murder by a notorious Nigerian drug lord.
The founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, said the movie reflects the theme of this year’s edition, Indigenous 2.0 Global, which aims to showcase African films and stories that can appeal to a wider audience.
She said Nigeria is leading the filmmaking renaissance in Africa and AFRIFF is committed to empowering the storytellers to explore new ideas and techniques.
‘Orah’ is based on the personal tragedy of Nzekwe, whose brother was killed by a stray bullet from the disbanded SARS unit in Nigeria in 2016. He said he channeled his rage and pain into the script, which he wrote, directed, and co-produced. The movie was shot in Canada and Nigeria in 2022.
The movie features actors such as Oyin Oladejo, who plays the lead role, Lucky Onyekachi Ejim, Bami Hazar, Agape Mngomezulu, Morgan Bedard, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Oris Erhuero, Ukeje O.C., Uche Odi, Femi Lawson, and Christopher Seivright.
The 12th edition of AFRIFF will take place from November 5 to 11 in Lagos.
