By Towobola Dada and Chinedu J. Orjiudeh
Created by Michael Omonua, Abba T. Makama, and C.J “Fiery” Obasi, The Surreal16(S16) Film Festival is scheduled to be held from 10th to 13th December 2024.
Having fostered a platform for African voices, creativity, and connection, the festival has welcomed Nigerian indie filmmakers to screen and hold meaningful conversations around their films. This year’s theme is Technologic, moving away from To God Be The Glory, which was last year’s theme.
In an official statement from the organizers, they said, “Over four days, our community of film lovers will be treated to a series of new wave cinema, an exhibition, panel conversations, and a themed party. Beginning on December 5-8 at Alliance Francais, Lagos.”
The team is gradually releasing the festival selections following a meticulous selection process. As of the time of this report, 11 short films including the opening and closing films have been announced to a warm reception. The festival is lined up vibrantly to celebrate unfiltered African, thought-provoking shorts, immersive feature-length narratives, and documentaries featuring diverse story worlds, talents, and perspectives.
Rungano Nyoni’s On Becoming A Guinea Fowl is the opening film, while Denise Fernandes’s Hanami is the closing one.
The selected short films include Rete Poki’s Everything Lasts and Nothing Ends, Nosazemen Agbontaen’s Kpakpangolo, Dika Ofoma’s God’s Wife, Arnaud Rwasangabo’s Echoes of the Heart, Adeola Fadola’s Reborn, The Fluid Collective’s Fluid Lagos, Tomisin Adepeju’s Journey Mercies, Tobi Onabolu’s Danse Macabre, and Uwana Anthony Churchy’s Everything Must End. The organizers have announced that there will be panel sessions and more feature-length announcements.
As young and budding film critics, it’s with great anticipation and joy that we look forward to the upcoming indie film festival, featuring an impressive lineup of films. Films that offer more than just entertainment, but provide an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the creative talents behind them. We will continue to be supporters of film festivals; especially in Nigeria, festivals that serve as a testament to the limitless possibilities in African Cinema, offering a glimpse into its bright and progressive future.
