Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kingsley Alumona
Published on 2024-03-19 20:22:35
The upcoming short film, ‘See My World: Manchester, Lagos and Me’, is all set to make its premiere in Manchester, the United Kingdom, as well as in Lagos and Abuja. This much-anticipated film will be showcased at three different locations: the British Council in Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday, 21 March, in Manchester on Tuesday, 26 March, and in Abuja on Thursday, 28 March. The film, which delves into the cultural and political environments of artists in Lagos and Manchester, is a collaborative effort between Big People Music (BPM), Big People Community (BPC), and the Book Buzz Foundation (BBF).
Funded by the British Council, ‘See My World’ is part of BPM’s series of multilingual, intergenerational, and Pan-African experiences. The film idea stems from the See My World festival in 2020, which aimed to document and preserve the stories and experiences of the Pan-African diaspora. This collaboration facilitated an exchange of art and culture across continents and provided a week-long residency in Lagos for the artists to connect face-to-face.
Tunde Adekoya, founder of BPM and BPC, as well as the artistic director, described the film as a cinematic exhibition and expressed his joy in bringing the vision of the film to life. He emphasized the importance of using the film as a platform for new narratives and fostering artistic collaborations. The film received praise from Joshua Inyang of Space Afrika, who found the See My World residency to be eye-opening and rewarding, allowing him to celebrate and re-learn Nigerian culture while connecting with local creatives and engaging in meaningful artistic endeavors.
The film project also involved other talented individuals such as multi-disciplinary artist Papa Nii Akushey Quaye from Manchester, poet and performing artist Deborah Johnson, and musician and filmmaker Ayokunle Odunsi from Lagos. The producers of the film highlighted its uniqueness in showcasing the beauty of the two distinct yet interconnected cities. They described the project as a memoir of the residency experience and an exploration of the creative minds of Pan-African artists who contribute to the vibrancy of these cities.
Furthermore, the film aims to challenge and debunk stereotypes associated with Lagos and Manchester while highlighting the true cultural advancements occurring in both cities, often overlooked by mainstream media. By shedding light on these cultural progressions, ‘See My World’ seeks to celebrate the rich artistry and creativity that thrive in these urban landscapes.
In conclusion, ‘See My World: Manchester, Lagos and Me’ promises to be a thought-provoking and visually captivating exploration of cultural intersections and artistic expressions in two dynamic cities. Through this film, viewers are invited to experience the beauty and complexity of Lagos and Manchester through the lens of talented Pan-African artists, offering a fresh perspective on these vibrant urban environments. Don’t miss the premiere of this groundbreaking film in Manchester, Lagos, and Abuja.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
