MIRROR OF BEAUTY FOR CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
History will be made at this year's Cannes Film Festival in France as a Nigerian film, Mirror of Beauty has been accepted for screening amongst other tops films from across the world.
Speaking to movie reporters before leaving for the festival, chairman/CEO of Atlantic Overseas, Mr. Andrien Gbinigie expressed delight at the major feat by a Nigerian movie on the global scene.
He said the value of positive image the acceptance of the movie will confer on Nigeria as a country cannot be quantified. He therefore called on the relevant government bodies to use the medium as a positive image-making tool globally.
Speaking further, the Atlantic Overseas boss, who is also life patron of Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON), disclosed that Nigeria would stand tall amongst other countries that will be participating in the 2008 edition of the festival.
He expressed appreciation to Zenith and Access banks for their support, endorsement and commitment to the success of the film so far.
Speaking in a telephone chat with THISDAY, Chief Eddie Ugboma, an official of the organising body of the Cannes festival, confirmed that Mirror of Beauty has been accepted for main screening in the festival. The film, a Nigerian cultural epic movie was released on 35mm celluloid and screened at Odeon and Cineworld cinemas in the UK.
The movie, full of drama, intrigues and rich cultural display, won the best music award at the just concluded African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). Okey Okoh directed the movie, which starred notable stars like Olu Jacobs, Mike Ezuruonye, Amechi Munagor and Ebere Okaro.
The president, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ejike Asiegbu described the movie as a major feat for Nigeria and indeed for Nollywood, saying "It is a major boost not for only Nigerians but Africa as a whole."
He commended the efforts of Gbinigie in moving the motion picture industry forward,adding "Gbinigie, no doubt, has taken entertainment and Nollywood to the global stage within his short stint in the industry."