‘The Oratory’, movie on plight of street children, to premiere Nov 20

‘The Oratory‘, a movie spotlighting the plight of street children in Nigeria, is set to premiere.

The premiere has been scheduled for November 20 in Lagos and November 27 in Abuja.

Cyril Odia, the movie producer, said the ‘The Oratory’ is based on the story of an African-American missionary who was inspired by the Italian saint Don Bosco.

Bosco was renowned for dedicating his life to the betterment and education of street children, juvenile delinquents, and other disadvantaged youth.

‘The Oratory’, directed by Obi Emelonye, was filmed in various locations in Rome, Atlanta, Lagos, and Turin.

It featured Nigerian and international movie stars such as Enyinna Nwigwe, Celeste Marcone, Florence Uwaleke, Andrea Charles Ukpong, and Rich Lowe Ikenna.

Speaking further on the production, Odia said there are over 100,000 street children who are vulnerable to negative societal issues such as violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, and crime.

He described this situation as a time bomb that requires concerted efforts by local and international stakeholders.

Proceeds from the movie premieres, it is understood, would be used to resource existing shelters in Lagos and Ibadan and to open up new child protection centers for street children across Nigeria.

Premieres for ‘The Oratory’ have already been held in Dublin, London, Turin, and Venice.

It will screen roadshow style in four continents and in over 16 cities before year-end 2021.