British Council Screens New Nollywood Film, Up North

The British Council hosted a private pre-release film screening of a new Nollywood film titled ‘UP North’ at it’s Lagos office recently. Some of the cast members like Rekiya Attah and the crew including the director, Top Oshin Ogun we’re in attendance.
The film which was directed by Chinaza Onuzo and Bunmi Ajakaye is based on a story by Editi Effiong. Anakle films and Inkblot, makers of the Wedding Party 1 and 2, while NEW Money produced the movie which was shot in Lagos and Bauchi States.
The movie plot sees a controlling billionaire father (Kanayo O Kanayo) get fed up with his rebellious son Bassey( Banky W) and sends him off to NYSC in Bauchi. Up North follows Bassey’s journey to self discovery as he navigates life, love friendship and purpose in this feel good, coming of age drama.
In the film, the spotlight is beamed on girl child education and the empowerment of girls within the local Northern Region communities where the protagonist begins a new life. The film is led by a starcast including Rahama Sadau, Adesua Etomi and Ibrahim Suleiman. Others include Michelle Dede, Sani Muazu, Tokunbo T.Boss Idowu among others. Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State also made a cameo appearance, playing himself in the movie.
On the idea behind the film, the director, Oshin Ogun said: “ the intention of the film is broadly nationalist, Bauchi is also part of Nigeria and I bet you have never seen this part of Nigeria before. For me, I never thought there were lakes up North, when you are thinking about the North, you are thinking of a desert”.
“ So the ultimate thing was to let us show other Nigerians what the North looks like. Let’s not think about terrorism and say I am not going to serve up North”.