Amazon Prime brought Lagos to NYC for an exclusive screening of their first original African movie: “Gangs of Lagos”.
The night was a showcase of Nigerian culture, with the Bryant Park Hotel transformed into a mini Lagos, complete with colorful decorations, traditional music, and delectable Nigerian cuisine.
The film is a Nigerian action-crime thriller that follows the lives of three young friends – Obalola (Tobi Bakre), Gift (Adesua Etomi-Wellington), and Ify (Chike).Directed by Jade Osiberu, the movie is a captivating tale of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams set against the backdrop of the dynamic city of Lagos. The film explores the challenges, adventures, and triumphs of its young protagonists as they navigate the complexities of life in a fast-paced environment.
Following the screening, the event continued with a moderated conversation featuring the film stars Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Chioma Chukwuka, along with comedian/actor Dulo. The discussion delved into the groundbreaking nature of “Gangs of Lagos” and how it is pioneering African cinema on a global scale. The stars shared their insights on the significance of the film and its impact on the representation of African stories and talent in the international film industry.
During the moderated discussion, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, spoke passionately about the importance of strong women in media. She emphasized that “Gangs of Lagos” is not only a movie for Africans, but a film that can resonate with audiences worldwide, as it portrays universal themes of courage, friendship, and the power of community.
