Nollywood stars turn out for ‘19’ premiere - Punch Newspapers
Nollywood stars, filmmakers and other entertainment industry personalities gathered at Fame, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday for the Nigerian premiere of 19, a crime drama written and directed by filmmaker, Tola Odunsi. The premiere attracted notable industry figures, including Toyin Abraham, Kunle Afolayan, Deyemi Okanlawon and Wale Ojo, who walked the red carpet ahead of the film’s cinema release. Others at the event included Linda Ejiofor, Femi Adebayo, Darey Art Alade and Kunle Remi, as well as members of the film’s cast and crew. ‘19’ features an ensemble cast led by Stan Nze, Sola Sobowale, Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, William Benson and Ademola Adedoyin. Other cast members include Boma Akpore, Helen Enado Odigie, Tayo Faniran and Charles Okafor. The film tackles Internet fraud, poverty, unemployment, corruption, peer pressure and the pressure to succeed. The story follows Ndubuisi Madueke, played by Nze, a young man whose circumstances and desperation eventually led him into Internet fraud. His journey takes a decisive turn after he encounters Usuanlele, a wealthy and influential figure in his neighbourhood, who becomes his mentor. According to Odunsi, the film seeks to examine the circumstances that can lead young people into crime rather than simply portraying internet fraud as a criminal act. I won’t sacrifice comfort for fashion – Arikegold I wanted to be a pilot before acting found me — Saka I’ll take politicians’ money if they’re good – Esther Nwachukwu He said, “Every crime has a story behind it. With ‘19’, I wanted to tell that story, to ask how a brilliant young man can move from wanting a better life to losing himself in the pursuit of it. “This is not a film about glorifying the fast life; it is about understanding its cost and reminding us that the choices we make today can define the lives we live tomorrow.” The producer, Bola Atta, said the film was inspired by concerns over the growing impact of Internet fraud on Nigerian society. “Internet fraud is gradually becoming endemic and is eating into the fabric of Nigerian society. Lives are being lost needlessly and families are being ruined as a result of the wrong choices made by some people. “Something definitely needs to be done to address this situation. That is why we decided to make a movie that not only reflects this reality but also shows that there is a better path to success, one that does not have to end in tragedy or destruction,” she said. The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, who attended the premiere, described ‘19’ as a timely film that highlights the consequences of the choices young people make. He stated, “19 is an important and timely film. Life is about choices, and we see that play out through Ndubuisi and his best friend, who face similar pressures but take different paths.” Also speaking at the premiere, the Senior Vice President of Content at Canal+, Dr Busola Tejumola, said the film addressed issues that were increasingly affecting both society and the entertainment industry. Kindly share this story:
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