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CINEMAS EARTHQUAKE: “AVANTE” PREMIERE ROCKS NOLLYWOOD, VETERANS DECLARE INDUSTRY REBORN

Published by admin on April 1st, 2026.

CINEMAS EARTHQUAKE: “AVANTE” PREMIERE ROCKS NOLLYWOOD, VETERANS DECLARE INDUSTRY REBORN

Nigeria’s film scene was set ablaze on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as “Avante” premiered at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja. The event was charged with bold pronouncements, emotional reflections, and thunderous praise, with the producer, industry veterans, and cast unanimously hailing the film as a defining milestone for Nollywood.

Producer Engr. Kingsley Okafor opened the evening with a powerful address, presenting “Avante” as more than a film—a deeply intentional story rooted in history, human experience, and contemporary societal realities.

He described it as “a compelling blend of a thriller of vengeance, love, and destiny,” centered on a young man whose father is brutally murdered alongside members of their community. Confronted with grief and injustice, the protagonist and his siblings embark on a turbulent path of revenge, grappling with moral and emotional choices between vengeance, destiny, and love.

Although set in the early post-colonial era and penned by an award-winning playwright, Okafor stressed that its themes remain strikingly relevant today—especially regarding security challenges.

Citing Section 14(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, he emphasized that safeguarding the welfare and security of citizens remains the foremost responsibility of government, adding that the film forces audiences to confront the dangers of rising insecurity and unchecked authority.

“Even more troubling,” he said, “is when those entrusted with authority—those in uniform—abuse that authority and, in some cases, aid the very crimes they are meant to prevent.”

Referencing management theorist Henri Fayol, Okafor added that authority must always be paired with responsibility, insisting that accountability is indispensable at every level of leadership.

He explained that the title “Avante,” derived from Spanish for “forward,” conveys the film’s central message of progress—learning from past mistakes while moving ahead with purpose.

In a departure from conventional Nollywood practices, Okafor revealed that casting decisions were made strictly on character suitability rather than popularity, a choice he described as challenging but crucial to preserving the story’s integrity.

“At AfriSQure, we believe in telling our stories in their purest form—without compromise,” he said. “The stories we tell today should be able to outlive us, even 150 years from now.”

He concluded with a striking statement: “Making a film is easy, but making a good film is war,” highlighting the team’s determination to deliver a meaningful production despite financial and industry hurdles.

Veteran broadcaster Pa Peter Michael Piper, widely recognized for “Tales by Moonlight,” reinforced the film’s impact with one of the evening’s most emphatic endorsements.

“I can say categorically, this ‘Avante’ I just watched is undoubtedly—unarguably—one of the best Nigerian movies anyone can ever watch,” he declared.

Piper, who had long lost interest in Nigerian films, described it as nothing short of a rebirth of Nollywood.

“What sets it apart,” he explained, “is that unlike most Nigerian movies where everything is predictable, this ‘Avante’ is unique. The lighting, cinematography, sound, pictorial quality, and storytelling will leave you stunned.”

Drawing on his Theatre Arts background and early children’s television experience, he lamented the industry’s past decline, blaming the exodus of trained professionals and rise of untrained practitioners. Yet he affirmed that “Avante” signals a turning point.

“What we have just witnessed is history being reborn—a reincarnation of the Nigerian movie industry,” he said, urging audiences in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt to head to cinemas.

Other attendees and cast members shared similar praise.

Mr. Randy Halliday, a self-described “movie man,” commended the film’s technical brilliance and immersive storytelling.

“The scenes are fascinating. The story is captivating, so real. The cinematography is breathtaking—and the soundtrack… you can close your eyes and just listen,” he said, concluding that “Avante” “completely stands out” among Nigerian productions.

Cast member Eddie Walker also expressed pride:

“I don’t like to give false information, but I can authoritatively say I am proud to be part of this movie,” he said, highlighting its exceptional graphics, cinematography, sound, costumes, and overall production.

“If you want to experience a unique movie with top-tier production, ‘Avante’ is the one,” he added, urging audiences to watch it from April 3, 2026.

Co-director and cast member Doe Junior emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project.

“We have an amazing team—from directors to executive producer, cameramen, and the entire cast and crew,” he said. He stressed that the team aimed for excellence from the outset:

“We ensured we went for the best quality because we were not ready to settle for anything less,” describing the film as one “nobody should miss watching.”

With its gripping themes, technical brilliance, and resounding endorsements from veterans and insiders, “Avante” is fast establishing itself as a landmark Nollywood production—one that promises to captivate audiences and redefine the future of Nigerian cinema.