Afolayan’s Latest Flick ‘The Bridge’ Premieres In Style

The much talked about movie featuring Afro-pop singer, Chidinma Ekile, enjoyed a glamorous premiere last Saturday at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The premiere of the movie, currently running in cinemas across Nigeria, was witnessed by celebrity guests, cast and crew of the movie, diplomats, government officials, and creative industry entrepreneurs.

‘The Bridge’, written by Shola Dada, produced by Lasun Ray and directed by Kunle Afolayan, is a fascinating love story at the mercy of cultural disparity.

It explores the undaunted desire of two lovebirds, change the primordial and sometimes egoistic mind-sets that hinders unity across tribes, tradition and class.

Powered by Bank of Industry (BoI)’s Nollyfund loan scheme, the film is Chidinma Ekile’s acting debut, playing Stella, alongside October 1 actor, Demola Adedoyin (Obadare), and a host of other top actors like Kunle Afolayan, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Zack Orji, Tina Mba, Adebayo Salami, Lere Paimo, Wole Olowomojuore, Lanre Hassan and Jimoh Aliu.

The Bridge makes a bold statement with the Yoruba and Igbo cultures, showcasing the people’s exquisite attires, enchanting music and language power.

The premiere on Saturday was attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; former Minister of Youth Development, Ms. Funke Adedoyin; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde; Special Assistant on Arts, Culture and Tourism to the Kwara State Governor, Femi Adebayo; CEO of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters, and Founder of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Chioma Ude.

Others are Gbenga Adeyinka, Tade Ogidan, Hilda Dokubo, Yemi Shodimu, Kunle Bakare and Bryan Okwara.

The film tells the story of Stella (Chidinma Ekile), a young lady from a distinguished Igbo family who falls in love and secretly marries Obadare (Demola Adedoyin), a Yoruba Prince against her parent’s wish.

The relationship becomes threatened by tribal prejudice and the consequences shake the very foundation and unity of both families.

The minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Mohammed, who spoke after the curtain call, praised the vision of the producers for telling a story of unity among tribes in the country.