Discussions have reached advanced stages to feature a range of Nollywood cinemas in the maiden edition of “Nollywood In Hollywood” an event put together by two of Hollywoods most illustrious institutions to promote Nigerian motion pictures and showcase them to the widest possible audience.
The event will be co-presented by world-renowned film programme, the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Hollywood’s most prestigious screening venue, the Egyptian Theatre. It is scheduled for 23rd and 24th March and arrangements are also in place to have most of the activities during the events broadcast live to audiences in Nigeria and all over the world.
John Hagelston speaking on behalf of the American Cinematheque, managers of the Egyptian Theatre (Venue of the event) said, “Africa’s most populous country is home to one of the world’s most prosperous film industries, but Nigerian cinema still has a relatively low profile in the U.S. The American Cinematheque’s mission to present the full range of motion pictures to the widest possible audience already includes annual programs devoted to new films from Spain, Germany, Italy, Argentina and other countries, so the chance to bring “Nollywood” to Hollywood for a night made perfect sense.” Kunle Afolayan, director of The Bridge, one of the selections to be shown, said he believes the Nollywood in Hollywood event is a course in the right direction. He expressed delight that his work The Bridge will be screening as part of the programs, and anticipates a mutual exploration between the two worlds.
The American Cinematheque co-hosts of Nollywood in Hollywood is an independent, non-profit cultural organization in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to the public presentation of the moving image in all its forms.
