2017 NollywoodWeek Film Festival: 76,The Wedding Party win the Public Choice Award.

THE NollywoodWeek Film Festival has announced today that The Wedding Party and 76 have jointly received the 2017 NollywoodWeek Public Choice Award.

The festival trophy was given to Izu Ojukwu, the Director of 76 and Moses Babatope who represented the film in the absence of the film Director, Kemi Adetiba in a closing ceremony that was followed by the World Premiere screening of Ctach[dot]er by the Director Walter Taylaur.

“I was not expecting this award. It’s an honour for me and for everybody who worked on the film,” said Izu Ojukwu.

In his acceptance speech, Moses Babatope expressed his joy at winning this award and mentioned that it was a good omen as the production of The Wedding Party 2 had just begun in Lagos and Dubai.

The high quality of the selected films for this 5thedition has been praised by journalists and film critics. Eleven films in total were shown during the four days of the festival, including five films in competition: Dinner, Gidi Blues, Green White Green, The Wedding Party and 76.

Nadira Shakur, the Director of Communication and co-founder of the festival said that “The festival has really cemented its place in the Parisian cultural calendar. Each year we try to offer the very best of Nollywood to the Parisian public by bringing the newest developments in the industry. This year we screened a web-series from REDTV and for the first time, an animated short film from Anthill Studios called Play-Thing.”

The selection of the 2017 edition of NollywoodWeek was rich and eclectic. The Public Choice Award ultimately went to two very different films but both have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian cinema landscape over the past year.

About the film 76:

Inspired by the tragic events in Nigeria 40 years ago, this political thriller depicts a respected army captain’s point of view following his forced participation in an attempted coup.

About the film The Wedding Party:

What happens when the wedding of the year takes a chaotic turn?
Will true loveprevail despite the circumstances? These two newly weds find out quickly what it truly means to be maried and if their love can make it through “for better or worse”.

The Directors of both winning films shall receive some special lenses from Angénieux the festival’s partners that they can use free of charge for their future production.

About NollywoodWeek:

NollywoodWeek is the only film festival in France dedicated to Nigerian cinema. During four days, the audience has an opportunity to discover Nigerian cinema and interact with the filmmakers and actors. The festival is made up of screenings as well as seminars, panels.