The ongoing Quramo Festival of Words (QFest 2024) reaches a pinnacle of cultural and cinematic tribute today, October 5, with the screening of the highly anticipated film The Man Died.
Inspired by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s harrowing prison notes, the feature film will be showcased at 4 PM at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The film, a deep dive into Soyinka’s 27-month incarceration during Nigeria’s civil war, is produced by Zuri24 Media under the leadership of accomplished storyteller Femi Odugbemi and directed by renowned theatre and film scholar, Awam Amkpa. Audiences will also be treated to a Q&A session featuring Odugbemi, Amkpa, and the lead actor, Wale Ojo, along with other stellar cast members such as Sam Dede, Nobert Young, and Segilola Ogidan.
The Man Died, scripted by UK-based writer Bode Asiyanbi, first graced screens in July during a private screening in Lagos, coinciding with Soyinka’s 90th birthday. Since then, it has traveled to international audiences, including a notable screening at the Africa Centre in London. The film is set for an impressive global tour, with upcoming showings in Accra, London, and Enugu, further cementing its impact.
The film offers a visceral portrayal of Soyinka’s mental survival during a period of intense political imprisonment, navigating the edges of madness and creativity. With this cinematic work, audiences are invited into Soyinka’s internal world, where writing became his lifeline.
QFest 2024, with its theme “The Shifting: Empowering Voices… Inspiring Minds”, continues to celebrate Africa’s rich storytelling traditions, blending film, literature, and cultural exchange. With notable masterclasses, panel discussions, and international collaborations, the festival’s programming shines a light on the transformative power of stories in shaping Africa’s cultural narrative.
As the curtain draws closer to the end of QFest, the festival’s finale on October 6 promises more excitement, particularly with the announcement of the winner of the 2024 Quramo Writers’ Prize, aimed at discovering the continent’s next literary stars.
For more information on the film and upcoming events, visit: www.themandiedmovie.com.
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