Nigeria’s Film fans, actors, producers and musicians flocked to the screening of Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther” which premiered on Friday night at IMAX Cinemas in Lekki Lagos.
The Walt Disney Co movie, which features a predominantly black cast, is set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda. It tells the story of the new king, T‘Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), who is challenged by rival factions.
Nigeria is also a cultural powerhouse that boasts the continent’s biggest film industry, known as Nollywood. Lagos is the country’s filmmaking hub.
At the screening of Black Panther at IMAX Cinemas, done in collaboration with UBA Plc, Nollywood stars mingled with TV personalities and musicians. The showing was one of a number of screenings in the city this weekend.
Most people were dressed in traditional Nigerian robes and gowns, with some opting to wear specially made attire in keeping with the film’s futuristic take on African garments.
“Black Panther is a film that celebrates black excellence. Bringing it to Nigeria is especially exciting,” said Bolaji Kekere-Ekun, a 33-year-old filmmaker.
A general view of the entrance for the premiere of “Black Panther” in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 29, 2018. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni – RC170E19A290
“The people who made the film were very specific about the references they used in relationship to Africa. They are pulling from the best fashion and art,” he said.
The fictional African country is depicted as a verdant land with stunning waterfalls where spacecraft designed like tribal masks soar over a modern metropolis.
The portrayal of Wakanda as a futuristic, wealth-laden nation was welcomed by local actress Ijeoma Grace Agu, who used body paint and a two-piece outfit as a homage to the film’s fashion aesthetic and said she was excited to watch the film.
“For once we are not just dressed in slave clothes or doing slavery or brutality. For once we are dressed in good clothes,” said Agu.
Directed by black director Ryan Coogler and featuring actors including Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong‘o and Forest Whittaker, the film has received widespread critical acclaim after years of criticism about the under-representation of black people in Hollywood.
“Seeing us exude power and strength, seeing our culture, our high fashion sense portrays us in a different light,” said Agu.
