Demi Banwo’s The Other Side of the Bridge and Jide Blaze Oyegbile’s Brukaci have been officially selected for screening at the 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), taking place from November 3 to 9, 2024. Both films will make their debut at the festival, with Brukaci serving as the opening feature.
The Other Side of the Bridge follows a former teenage boxing champion who enters a high-stakes competition to save his trainer’s gym. He faces off against a cash-strapped fighter from a troubled background, sparking a rivalry that forces them to confront their pasts and fight for their futures. Written by Tamara Aihie and Emil Garba, the film stars Demi Banwo, Tobi Bakre, Olarotimi Fakunle, Iretiola Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Gbubemi Ejeye, and Femi Branch, and is produced by Banwo and Tolu Tanner.
Brukaci, which stands for “Bracket In Bazio,” introduces audiences to a new world created by Oyegbile. The film, written, directed, and produced by Oyegbile, features a cast that includes Oyegbile himself, Folu Storms, Charles Born, and Martha Ehinome. Expressing his excitement on Instagram, Oyegbile noted, “There is so much more around this film that I can’t wait to share, with plenty more to develop and create.”
The theme of this year’s AFRIFF is “Indigenous To Global: Cultural Wealth To Global Prosperity.”
The festival aims to spotlight emerging talents, providing them with opportunities to launch their careers and connect with industry professionals. It will also host an African Animation Showcase, highlighting innovative animation from the continent.
In addition to traditional screenings, this edition will offer immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, transporting audiences to new perspectives. Partnering with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), AFRIFF will also feature its Script to Screen program, empowering filmmakers and writers through a year-long incubator initiative.
