By Bolarinwa Akande
Director of The Figurine, Kunle Afolayan, was the cynosure of all eyes at the launch of the book titled: Auteuring Nollywood: Critical Perspective on The Figurine, which held at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos, last Thursday.
The book, an adaptation of his award-winning movie, was edited by the filmmaker’s brother, Dr. Adeshina Afolayan of the Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan, who believed the story of The Figurine should not be confined to the screen alone.
It was an impressive outing, as top dignitaries from the political, business, movie and academic sectors graced the occasion.
The book is centered on the creative ingenuity of Kunle Afolayan, from the perspective of The Figurine, and portrays him as a new generation filmmaker who is helping to redefine the typical Nollywood style of filmmaking.
Popular comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka set the mood for the ceremony with his rib cracking jokes, ably assisted by TV presenter, Teju Babyface.
The reviewer, Mr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Director of Nollywood Study Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos described the book as one that is highly impressive. “Hope it will be the first of many more to come of Kunle Afolayan’s works,” he said, even as he praised the quality and outlook of the book.
The Figurine tells the story of the myth surrounding the history of ‘Araromire’, a clan whose fate of ups and downs is determined by the figurine.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, former Minister of National Planning noted that the Afolayan family have challenged many through their creative works of art.
Among other dignitaries who poured encomiums on the filmmaker was Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, CEO of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), who described Kunle as a thorough professional. She noted that it is unfortunate that while Afolayan struggles to get money to make his movies, those who cannot make good movies find money easily because of who they know. She revealed that Kunle Afolayan’s film, Irapada, was the first film from Nigeria to make it to major international film festival circuit.
The event was put together by Relentless Media in conjunction with Golden Effects Services.
Other dignitaries at the event included Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Chairman of Doyin Group of Companies and Prince Deji Oni, a representing of the governor of Kwara State.
Others are notable filmmakers Chief Tunde Oloyede, Tunde Kelani, Mahmood Ali-Balogun and comedians Ali Baba and Kofi.