I hope each of you are having a wonderful day so far. I am still beaming after attending the screening of the film, Black November at the Kennedy Center yesterday evening. It was truly a red carpet affair! 🙂
Hosted by Congressman Bobby Rush, Congressman Edolphus Towns and The Africa Society, the screening for Black November was well attended by politicos, artists, and socialites as well as the leading actors including Mbong Amata, Enyinna Nwigwe, and Vivia A. Fox. The film also features other stars– Oscar winner Kim Basinger, Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke, Anne Heche, and Sarah Wayne Callies.
Written and directed by Jeta Amata, Black November is based upon the true story of the Niger Delta community’s struggle against their own government and a multi-national oil corporation. Nearly 50% of Nigeria’s oil export goes directly to the United States, but Americans are unaware of the hardships Nigerians face due to massive spills, corruption and lack of government regulation. Currently, Congressman Bobby Rush is sponsoring a resolution in an effort to help clean up the Niger Delta.
I believe this is a major step for the Nollywood industry. It shows that Nollywood has the pull and the financial backing to tell their stories. The production, cinematography, and major actors show that Nollywood is ready for Hollywood. I believe that Nollywood films can bring a new and fresh perspective rather than always seeing Hollywood formula movies.
Personally, I love Nollywood movies because the themes are universal (romance, heartbreak, action), but the cultural nuances and backdrops are different. And this is what I love watching. Some of my fav movies– City of God, Slum Dog Millionaire, Bend It Like Beckham, Tsotsi, and now Restless City– allow me and others to get a glimpse into a different world. But most importantly, it raises our awareness, empathy and humanity towards others. Besides, isn’t going to the movies all about leaving your world behind for a new experience? And ThatKellieGirl is all about “exploring the world”! 🙂
Overall, I enjoyed Black November and wish the movie much success. I believe it is an important story that must be told to raise the awareness of all people. And I hope it will lead to change in the Niger Delta. To learn more about Nigeria and the Niger Delta, click here.
Director, Jeta Amata and Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Director, Jeta Amata and Gabon Ambassador Michael Moussa attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Capt. Hosa Wells Okunbo, Sir Lucky Omoluwa attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Capt. Hosa Wells Okunbo, Vivica A. Fox, Agbani Darego, Sir Lucky Omoluwa attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Vivica A. Fox, Capt. Hosa Wells Okunbo, Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego, Sir Lucky Omoluwa and Timi Alaide attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Lead actor, Mbong Amata and Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Director, Jeta Amata and Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
ThatKellieGirl and ABC 7 news anchor Cynné Simpson at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
ThatKellieGirl and Vivica A. Fox at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Director, Jeta Amata, Vivica A. Fox and lead actor, Mbong Amata at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
The Cast of Black November
The Cast of Black November
The Cast of Black November
Director, Jeta Amata, Vivica A. Fox and lead actor, Mbong Amata at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Director, Jeta Amata and Vivica A. Fox at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
The Cast of Black November
Vivica A. Fox at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
ThatKellieGirl at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
ThatKellieGirl and the Fiancé attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
ThatKellieGirl and Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
ThatKellieGirl and Jazz Artist Loide at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Actor Enyinna Nwigwe and artist Anna Mwalagho attend the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
ThatKellieGirl and Miss District of Columbia 2012 Sarah Hillware at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Gbenga Sokefun and guest are quite fashionable attending the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
President & CEO of The Africa Society, Bernadette Paolo speaking at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Legislative Counsel to Congressman Bobby Rush, Angelle Kwemo speaking at the Black November screening at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 8, 2012 in Washington, DC.
That Kellie Girl 