Nollywood actors head to America for international film festival

Nollywood actors, representing the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), are gearing up for a momentous event as they set their sights on Miami, United States, for their very first International film festival.

Scheduled to take place from November 9 to 11, 2023, in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, the film festival promises to be a grand affair. The announcement was made during a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday, led by Mr. Emeka Rollas, the National President of the AGN. The prestigious event will be graced by renowned figures, including reality TV star Nancy Isime and US-based actor Joseph Benjamin, who have been appointed as the festival’s hosts.

With over 70 Nollywood actors expected to attend, the AGN-initiated film festival aims to foster growth within the Nollywood industry and provide actors with unparalleled opportunities to expand their horizons. One of the primary objectives is to enable Nigerian actors to establish vital connections with international agents and their counterparts from Hollywood.

Mr. Rollas emphasized the need for such initiatives, noting that in the past 25 years, the growth rate of an average Nollywood actor on the international stage has been dishearteningly slow. By facilitating physical interactions, collaborations, and relationships with the global market, the festival endeavors to elevate the profile of Nollywood talent and garner international recognition for their exceptional work.

Having been re-elected as the AGN president in November 2022, Mr. Rollas envisions the film festival as a crucial step in propelling the guild into the international arena.

Adding to the excitement, actress Alex Okoroji, the chairperson of the AGN International festival organizing committee, expressed her belief that the festival will not only contribute to the growth of Nollywood as an industry but also benefit the Nigerian economy as a whole.

Miami, with its vibrant cultural scene and a significant population of African immigrants, provides an ideal backdrop for this celebration of Nigerian film and television talent. The festival will include a diverse array of activities such as panel discussions, city tours, workshops, and seminars, all of which will foster learning, engagement, and interaction between actors, filmmakers, and their fans and supporters in the diaspora.

As anticipation builds, the Nollywood actors are preparing to make a resounding impact on the global stage, showcasing their remarkable talents and contributions to the world of cinema at the AGN International film festival in Miami.