2016 American Film Showcase in Lagos

The United States Consulate General Lagos, in partnership with the Eko International Film Festival, began showcasing contemporary American films yesterday at Ozone Cinemas, Yaba. According to a release by the Consulate, the documentaries by independent filmmakers uncover powerful stories of American youth overcoming social, cultural, business and inner growth challenges. “The American Film Showcase is […]

The United States Consulate General Lagos, in partnership with the Eko International Film Festival, began showcasing contemporary American films yesterday at Ozone Cinemas, Yaba.
According to a release by the Consulate, the documentaries by independent filmmakers uncover powerful stories of American youth overcoming social, cultural, business and inner growth challenges.
“The American Film Showcase is a rare opportunity for all Nigerian film enthusiasts to watch great documentary films by independent American producers and directors, and hear from Nigerian and American film industry experts. The films insightfully portray diverse cultures in America, and they connect to common challenges for youth who yearn to achieve great things in the United States and Nigeria,” Public Affairs Officer Darcy Zotter said.
The release also said the initiative is the U.S. Department of State’s premier film diplomacy program, connecting foreign audiences to film screenings and workshops with American filmmakers.
“During the program, the participants will share their experiences and expertise while leading Nollywood artists, Nigerian academics, and students will discuss approaches to addressing common challenges specific to the filmmaking industry in Nigeria,” it said.
‘Keepers of the Game’ by Judd Ehrlich, where Native American high school girls seek to prove the Mohawk game of lacrosse is their rightful inheritance while honoring their people’s tradition in a changing world, is one of the movies to be shown. 
There is also ‘CodeGirl’ by Leslie Chilcott which follows girls from Moldova, Brazil and the United States trying to win a world competition in tech innovation and discovering something valuable in themselves. 
Other films being shown include ‘Generation Startup,’ which tells the story  of six recent graduates who put everything on the line to launch startups in Detroit, and I’m Not Racist…Am I?, with twelve New York teens examining racism in a year of intense workshops.
The event which is part of the 7th edition of the Annual Eko International Film Festival will close with the screening of two documentaries and will also feature virtual dialogues with the American filmmakers.