It was glitz and glamour in Lagos when popular Nigerian Actress, Funke Akindele premiered her latest movie,
‘A Tribe Called Judah’.
The Filmhouse Cinema IMAX, Lekki Phase 1 area was the place to be last Sunday as a galaxy of stars converged to celebrate the work of art and the exceptional display of talent and class. Her entry into the arena in a gorgeous golden Tinkerbell costume set the tone for the elegant night to celebrate the movie set to hit the screen on December 15, 2023.
The colourful night was filled with familiar faces on the cinema screens, all gorgeously dressed with displays of relatable and appealing costumes on the red carpet, which was also graced by several celebrities cut across all sectors of the entertainment industry. The star-studded premiere was tagged, ‘Costume Party Extravaganza’ with Funke Akindele celebrated for her exceptional talent and versatility in the Nigerian entertainment industry, showcasing yet another blockbuster in her coterie of offerings.
The movie, directed by Adeoluwa Owu, popularly known as Captain Degzy, is set around a family of boys who decide to rob a small mall with the help of their mother. However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers.
The movie cast, includes, Funke Akindele, Boma Akpore, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Etinosa Idemudia, Fathia Balogun, Jide Kene Achufusi, Nse Ikpe Etim, Olayode Juliana, Olumide Oworu, Paschaline Alex, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Makinde, Uzor Arukwe, Yvonne Jegede, Genovevah Umeh, among others. The premiere was well attended by popular actors and actresses, and several celebrities in the entertainment industry including, Cute Abiola, Broda Shaggi, Sydney Talker, Officer Wood, Woli-Agba, Odunlade Adekola, Denrele Edun, Muyiwa Ademola, Ini Edo, Juliana Olayode aka Toyo Baby, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ruth Kadiri, among others.
Speaking to journalists about the movie, Funke Akindele explained that the new movie is so dear to her heart.
She said, “It has a part of my late mum in it, and it represents the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in society. There’s often a stigmatisation surrounding women who have children out of wedlock. They get labelled with unprintable names with the assumption that their children will amount to nothing.
“The film also sheds some focus on rebellious children. When they start out being rebellious, their families tend to give up on them. However, it is important to look for something special in your child; help them nurture their talents, and they will become great with it.”
She said the story revolves around Jedidah Judah, a woman with five sons from five different men, all from different tribes.
“This fact alone is enough to shock people and lead them to pass judgment. This movie will resonate with people from all walks of life, be it the high-class, middle-class, low-class, or the grassroots. I made sure that everybody was represented in it. It aims to tell our stories, the African way, by showcasing our reality and struggles.”
Speaking on how she ensured she selected the right cast for the movie, she said, “I love to be realistic and objective when casting. Sentiments do not influence my decisions; you have to be talented to work with me, and I admire disciplined actors.
“I had the pleasure of working with an exceptional cast for this movie: Nse Ikpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe and so many others. I set out looking for actors that would give me what I wanted, and I got the best.”
