Nigerian movie “Eyimofe” on Friday, made history, becoming the first Nigerian movie to win a prize at Africa’s biggest and most prestigious festival-Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou as Temi Ami Williams, picked the Best Actress award.
Williams’ feat is the first for Nollywood since 1969 when the Festival was founded. It was also the first time a Nigerian film will win a prize.
Although Nigeria’s Newton Aduaka won the grand prize Yennenga’d Talon for “Ezra” over a decade ago, it could not pass for a Nigerian win as the film which focused on child soldiers, was registered as European co-production.
FilmPreneur Madu C Chikwendu who was a member of the five man international jury received the Cfa1m prize on behalf of Williams at the ceremony held at Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria Eyimofe (This is My Desire) follows the stories of Mofe, a factory technician, and Rosa, a hairdresser, on their quest for what they believe will be a better life on foreign shores. A passport, photos and a visa form recurring elements. The characters’ misfortunes are part of their everyday life and they are sketching out the need to leave Nigeria at the same time.
The film produced by GDN Studios, Kimiera and Ominira Studios, is directed by the duo of Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri.
