‘Isoken’ joins ’93 Days’, ‘The Bridge’ on first ever Nollywood showcase in Hollywood

Nollywood big budget flicks, ’93 Days’, ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Isoken’, are set to be showcased in Hollywood.

The inaugural ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’ event will take place at the world famous Egyptian Theater in Hollywood on Friday, featuring the screening of ’93 Days’.

‘The Bridge’ by Kunle Afolayan and ‘Isoken’ by Jade Osiberu will be screened on Saturday.

Afolayan, Steve Gukas and Dakore Akande will be the ambassadors of Nollywood at the event.

The event will be co-presented by the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and the Grauman Egyptian Theatre.

It is the first time both platforms are teaming up to bring a film series from Africa to Hollywood.

Nigeria joined a select list of seven countries from around the world to be part of the prestigious national screening series, according to the organisers.

Maceo Willis, the operations director for the event, described the historic event as “a miracle”.

He said: “It’s a miracle as miracles go. No one would have thought University of Southern California and The Egyptian would be interested in putting Nollywood on showcase.

“Ose – Oyamendan – made a strong case and he had the pedigree to back it up.”

Willis, however, expressed disappointments at the lack of support for the historic event by Nigeria.

He said: “My biggest shock was that the Nigerian cultural ministry and embassy didn’t see the importance of backing an event that is the biggest showcase in African cinema history despite months of talking to them.

“Nations beg for this opportunity that can transform a country’s film and tourism industries and Nigeria almost missed out on it.

“Thankfully Air France stepped in and flew in the actors and filmmakers. Hopefully, this is the beginning of great things for Nollywood in Hollywood.”