Having held for a quarter of the year now; and being increasingly well-attended; it is safe to say that Nolly First Fridays is something industry stakeholders and aspirants alike look forward to attending unfailingly, every First Friday of the month! Here are five things to expect – in no particular order – from the upcoming edition of the event on the 6th of July!
1. A Classic Movie… and chill
Every edition has had a classic Nollywood movie screened as part of the event’s proceedings. This provides an opportunity for participants of different generations to either reminisce or see the movie for the first time with fresh eyes; and evaluate it in context with the state of films in the industry today.
In March, it was a State of Emergency with Teco Benson. April brought Andy Amanechi and Don Pedro Obaseki’s Igodo. Mortal Inheritance was screened in May, by Andy Amanechi, and we were Keeping Faith in June with Steve Gukas. And finally, this July, we go Out of Bounds with Tade Ogidan and Richard Mofe-Damijo!
2 Table Shaking Convos
As part of the event’s proceedings, an in-depth, no-holds-barred dialogue about aspects of production and survival in the industry is held every edition.
In that time, participants are afforded a level playing field to ask those questions and state those unfathomable truths about the inner workings of the industry. First Fridays represents open communication and participation when it comes to moving the industry forward and disrupting status quos where necessary. One thing is clear, First Fridays is not afraid to shake tables.
3. The Industry
With increasing numbers every edition, First Fridays is quickly building a community of individuals who ae passionate about the sustained and improved growth of Nollywood.
The event provides unrestricted access to a melting pot of people and professions across the industry, from actors like Abayomi Alvin, to make up artists, to Nollywood Travelling festival director Mykel Parrish and Big Brother Naija contestant Dee One! Red carpet photos, and furiously playing board and video games with top talent are experiences to never forget. You never know who you might meet!
4. Gastronomic Goodness
Being a welcoming rest stop from work that day and week, and the previous month’s brouhaha is not easy, but First Fridays lives up to the challenge and provides each participant with mouth-watering appetizers and legendary cocktails from our vendors; free of charge.
Imagine munching on some tasty chow, with an ice-cold drink in your hand! Surveys after the event include the long-standing question of suya vs. small chops from time to time, but there is always one clear winner!
5. A Good Time
We hold that Nollywood filmmaking is a valid art in and of itself, whatever its potentials or inadequacies may be. So, would you like to meet filmmakers, film/TV stars and film fans in Lagos, or you’d like to find like minds and willing participants for your next project?
Perhaps you are looking to meet, evaluate and possibly hire a crew for your next film or TV series? Or you just like some gist about potential pitfalls to avoid in Nollywood or raise funds?
First Fridays provides a hassle-free but hustle-full platform for filmmakers and film lovers to meet, mix, network and have fun in a light, party-mode environment.
What are you waiting for? Come ‘Out of Bounds’ with us this July!
First Fridays is hosted by yours truly, True Nollywood Stories; and MTV Shuga producers, SMATMedia! It is absolutely free to attend! For inquiries and to register, kindly send an email to nollyfirstfridays@gmail.com.