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Masterclass with Nollywood Actress Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett

2-4 p.m.
Lecture Hall, sublevel 2

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Actress Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett leads a masterclass that examines the techniques and art form of performance, the power of imagination, unity of mind and body, and provides guidance on how to be a conduit to the audience. Ajai-Lycett uses examples from her work as a basis for discussing best practices in acting as attendees practice technique and gain insight from an expert in the field.

Obara’m Opening Night Film Screening

8–10:30 p.m.

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Ripley Lecture Hall
Dillon Ripley Center, sublevel 3
1100 Jefferson Dr SW

After her estranged father’s death, Oluchi—an up-and-coming musician—is forced to confront her true self and her past mistakes. She reconnects with her daughter, who she abandoned at a young age, through their love of music. However, echoes from the past, greed, and bad decisions spring from every corner, threatening to bring them down. Kayode Kasum, director; Mimi Bartels, executive producer

Here Love Lies Film Screening + Conversation

7–9:30 p.m.
Sublevel 1

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A romantic psychological thriller, Here Love Lies follows single parent and travel blogger Amanda in the pursuit of “love and forever.” Her journey from Lagos to New York to meet Michael, her American cyber beau, for the first time opens up more doors than anticipated. Join actress and director Tope Oshin in conversation after the screening.

Black Mail Film Screening + Conversation

12:30–3 p.m.
Ripley Lecture Hall
Dillon Ripley Center, sublevel 3
1100 Jefferson Dr SW

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Based on real life events and as a poignant allegory for the present, Black Mail centers on an actor and family man whose internet history is used against him by Russian criminals in a game of cyber cat and mouse that takes everyone to the edge of destruction. Screening followed by a conversation with director Obi Emelonye and actor O.C. Ukeje; moderated by Torell Shavone.

Nollywood in Focus Film Screening + Conversation

5:30–7 p.m.
Lecture Hall, sublevel 2

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Nollywood in Focus is an intriguing portrait of Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry, which has emerged into prominence as the second largest producer of film content globally. Directed by renowned photographer and artist Iké Udé, over 40 Nollywood personalities—from established actors and directors to emerging stars—share their views on the challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian film industry. The film is a celebration of an industry that has, against all odds. gained global recognition as an independent, self-sustaining film industry run by Africans for Africans. Followed by a conversation with the filmmakers, Iké Udé and Osahon Akpata.