A Nollywood movie, ‘Dangerous Mission,’ has emerged overall best film and received the Golden Jury Award at the grand finale of the 20th edition of the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the movie won three awards in Abuja on Thursday night at the closing ceremony of the festival with the theme titled “Beyond Borders: Globalisation and the Film Business.”
‘Dangerous Mission’ was nominated for five categories of the awards and clinched three, including the award for Outstanding Director, Outstanding Actress and the highly coveted Golden Jury Award.
Ace actress Bimbo Akintola won the Outstanding Actress for her role in the film, while veteran Nollywood Director, Teco Benson secured the Outstanding Director award.
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The star-studded movie features Bimbo Akintola, Wole Ojo, Femi Branch, Claret Onukogu and other stars, and it is produced under VIOLA Productions label by Claret Onukogu.
In an interview with NAN on the red-carpet, Benson thanked the organisers of the AIFF and expressed delight over the feat attained by the film.
“Dangerous Mission is a thriller that explores the uncertainties and risks faced by a ‘broken Lady’ who stakes her boyfriend as a bait to trap her beautiful and younger boss in her bid to seek revenge.’’
He said the film has been acquired by an American company for global distribution.
Other categories of awards and winners at the event include Oustanding Experimental Film – The Delectable Azimasama (Nigeria),Outstanding Animation Film – No Way Out (Uganda) ,Outstanding Cinematography – Momo in Dubai (India).
The Outstanding Music Score was clinched by Silent Storm, a Cameroonian film, Outstanding Screenplay – Tibetan Hearts (USA), Outstanding Short Film by Foreigners – Suitcase (Iran), and ace actors Jude Orhora won the Outstanding Actor for his role in ‘Ivie.’
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Others include Outstanding Feature Film (Nigeria) – Saving Raymond, Outstanding Documentary Film – Ichie Mask in Time (Nigeria) and Ikorodu (The history, the people and the culture) and Outstanding short film (Nigeria) was won by ‘The Major ‘.
The Outstanding Student Film category award was received by ‘Leaked’, a Nigerian film and the Audience Choice Award was clinched by “Riding Rail in China”, a Chinese film.
Earlier in his remarks, Fidelis Duker, Founder of the AIFF congratulated the awardees, adding that 20 years of AIFF was milestone that should be celebrated alongside those who have contributed to its success story.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the Abuja International Film Festival has been the opportunity it has provided for young filmmakers.
“We take pride in giving aspiring directors, producers and actors the chance to showcase their works on an international platform.
“Through our carefully curated selection process, we ensure that emerging talents from Nigeria and beyond have the visibility they deserve and the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.
“We will continue to provide a platform for young filmmakers to shine and contribute to the growth of the film industry,” he said (NAN)
