11th November, 2016
Inspired by Nigerian weddings and a longing to showcase African music and lifestyle, Elfike Film Collective, a collaboration of Africa’s leading powerhouses – EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios have put together a romantic movie full of suspense ”The wedding party”
”The wedding party” premiered to the press yesterday at the Filmhouse IMAX Lekki, and will hit all Cinemas come December 16th 2016.
Mo Abudu as (Executive producer), attended the screening alongside Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Ireti Doyle, Kemi Adetiba, Alibaba, Sola Sobowale, Ayo Makun among others.
It is the first time industry giants will partner on a film project and with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recognition, it shows that Collectives can grow and prosper the continent’s film community.
In a question and answer segment, Banky W when asked how he got the role, revealed to PMNews that he ”auditioned and was picked and so he made up his mind not to carry last as he was acting with professionals on the set of his first movie, thereby he didn’t have a choice but to give it his best shot”
Written by playwright Tosin Otudeko and directed by Kemi Adetiba. ‘The Wedding Party’ is a first of its kind initiative designed to raise the bar in African storytelling through unrivalled technical achievement in filmmaking and creative media arts.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, The Wedding Party is the story of Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi), a 24 year old art gallery owner and only daughter of her parents about to marry the love of her life, IT entrepreneur Dozie (Banky W). The couple took a vow of chastity and is looking forward to a ground-breaking first night together as a married couple.
Alibaba and Sola Sobowale- the Coker’s who were set to show off their affluence played the role of Dunni’s parents while the wealthy Onwuka’s, Iretiola Doyle and Richard Mofe-Damijo played Dozie’s parents. Both mother inlaws were at loggerheads with each other as the duo wanted to reveal who was the most influential and wealthiest.
The Coker’s who were given second place to the groom’s family ended up beating the Onwuka’s to a grande entry at the wedding while the guests could not help but give a dancing ovation.
While the event planner Zainab Balogun who is constantly on her hands and toes, bent on giving her client the much anticipated wedding, Mrs Onwuka has concluded plans on making Dunni’s life miserable since she refused marrying her class except her darling Dozie.
Wedding guests will have to take their seats and see whether the wedding succeeds or if the groom’s association of ex-girlfriends will disrupt the day’s proceedings. One thing is certain ‘The Wedding Party’ will be the talk of town.
The movie was first announced in April 2016 screened for the first time on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at the opening night of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a selection of the Spotlight City to City programme.
Other casts include Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Beverly Naya, Emma OhMyGod, Lepacious Bose, Somkele Idhalama, Daniella Brown, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Enyinna Nwigwe, Kunle Idowu, Sambasa Nzeribe, Hafiz Oyetoro amongst others.
Jennifer Okundia