’93 Days’, The Ebola Movie, Premieres At The Rock Cathedral

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Come Tuesday, 13 September, the House On The Rock Church, Natives FilmWorks, Michelangelo Productions and the Bolanle Austen-Peters Production are collaborating to host the Nigerian Premiere of the much anticipated Ebola movie, 93 Days.

The premiere will hold at The Rock Cathedral, 4th Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

Speaking on the church’s partnership with those bodies on the premiere, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Senior Pastor, the House on the Rock, said, “House On The Rock’s mission is to work together with everyone that is invested in building a transformed nation, a better Nigeria, and this essence ties strongly into the courage displayed by Dr. Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues who brought hope to a nation that was being threatened by devastation, at the expense of their own lives. This is the kind of love and sacrifice that can truly bring transformation to all.”

Starring Bimbo Akintola, Danny Glover, Tim Reid, Somkele Idhalama, Keppy Ekpenyong, Gideon Okeke and other talented actors, 93 Days is a compelling story of dedication, sacrifice and resilience which celebrates the courage shown by the First Consultant Medical Team, the Lagos State and Federal Governments and well-meaning organisations in combating the Ebola virus, which broke out early 2014 in Nigeria.

The movie tells the story of how a few sacrificed their lives at the frontline of the horrendous battle against the Ebola virus, some of who lost their lives, but not without saving several lives. Noteworthy is the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh whose role is played by renowned Nigerian actress, Bimbo Akintola.

Working with her younger colleagues, Dr. Adadevoh’s early detection of the disease in a patient and insistence on treating him contributed greatly to limiting the spread of the disease in Nigeria.

The movie has the central themes of triumph, heroism and a country’s determination to rise above the storm.

One of the Producers of the movie, Bolanle Austen-Peters in her statement said, “93 Days is a masterfully crafted story of bravery and sacrifice and is definitely a must see. It showcases the best of Nigeria; it is powerful, gripping and an emotive piece. I am more than proud to have played a part in this project.”

The Lagos State Government’s rapid response and collaboration with other well-meaning organisations in combating the deadly virus earned this notable event the theme, The Power of COLLABORATION.

“This movie tells the story of greatness and drives home the importance of unity in conquering and overcoming challenges,” said one of the producers.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), widely recognized for showing the most outstanding films from around the world, has also selected 93 Days for screening at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, Canada this week.

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were honoured with an exclusive screening of the movie on Friday, 2 September in its Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Washington DC.

Bolanle Austen-Peters (left) with other executive producers at the Washington DC exclusive screening

In attendance included Hollywood actors and stars of the movie, Danny Glover (Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri) and Tim Reid (Dr. Sam Adeniyi-Jones); Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Associate Producer 93 Days; Bolanle Austen-Peters, Dotun Olakunri and Steve Gukas, producers/executive producers of 93 Days; and other dignitaries such as Jimmy Kolker, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs HHS; Dr Benjamin Ohiaeri, founder, First Consultants Hospital; Dr. Sam Adeniyi Jones, Director Office of Global Affairs, HHS; Dr. David Brett-Majors, US Department of Defense and Former WHO expert, Kent Brantly; American Ebola survivor, Dr Morris Ibeawuchi; Nigerian Ebola survivor, Bockari Stevens; the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to the US, Denas Morris; Center for Disease Control, Elizabeth Sadove, US Food and Drug Administration; Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Amanda Jacobsen, US Department of State.

Joined by other officials from the White House, the screening received an impressive turnout as guests enjoyed and commended the phenomenal masterpiece that has been created by talented actors, producers and director in Nigeria.

The producers have assured that 93 Days is definitely a movie to see and will be remembered.