His foray into Tokyo is on the invitation of Cinema Africa, a non-profit organization established in 2006, to develop understanding and appreciation of Africa in Japan through African films made by African filmmakers or producers.
The film festival billed to take place between May 18 -23, 2013, would screen Phone Swap May 17 and Figurine May 18 at the Auditorium Shibuya, Tokyo. In recognition of his immense contributions and recognition of his works, the award winning filmmaker will be hosted to a dinner by the Nigerian High Commission in Tokyo on the day the festival opens.
The organisers of the festival aimed at introducing African films by African directors, producers, for cultural exchange between Africa and Japan, has also lined up a chain of activities for Afolayan and these include a short speech as a filmmaker and curator, his perspectives on Nigerian film on the opening night and back to back interviews with major newspapers and the nation's television station, NHK, transmitting to both domestic and global audiences.
In his reaction to the development, Afolayan said: "It is no doubt another ground breaking opportunity to showcase and promote African cinemas to the Asian world. It will also afford many people to have a direct experience of cinemas in Africa, made by Africans, understand our stories as told by us.
Africa and Africans can no longer allow their stories to be told from Hollywood's perspectives. I hope the African and Nigerian communities in Japan would seize this opportunity to enjoy quality film and let's celebrate a new beginning in African cinema."
Thumbs up kunle.
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