The Concubine for Nigeria’s 50th anniversary

Chief Executive Officer of the Chescana said the October 1st date for the public screening of The Concubine is strategic. “We have chosen that date as our own way of celebrating the significant role played by arts in our 50 years of existence as a nation”. Published in 1966, The Concubine is one of most […]

Chief Executive Officer of the Chescana said the October 1st date for the public screening of The Concubine is strategic. “We have chosen that date as our own way of celebrating the significant role played by arts in our 50 years of existence as a nation”.

Published in 1966, The Concubine is one of most successful books from African writers of the post independence era. While disclosing that the film directed by Andy Amneachi has been serialized for television which cost N30 million naira to make, Chikendu said it had been screened in different countries by critics, adding that it has been edited into over 45 episodes.

He said owing to demands by some channels in Europe, the film is being voiced over in French and Italian. He said “though we concluded work on The Concubine by 2007, the expectation was that we should immediately take the film to the cinemas. We did not. This is because we want to present the film in style and we are poised to exploit the golden jubilee of our country.

‘’Our decision has nothing to do with the lull in sales in home videos. After editing the film was over nine hours long so we though it better for us to present it a format that will not tire the viewer and at the same time retain the substance of the story.”

Chikendu who underscored the need to rediscover the long lost reading culture in the country especially among the youths, said his company will soon commence work on making Chinue Achebe’s Arrow Of God. “Many are of the opinion that Nigerians have forgotten where they are coming from and this has led to the loss of values in society. But I believe that through films that tell stories that project chore African values of respect, honesty, dignity in labour, honour and integrity, young ones will turn away from destructive vices.

‘’It may be gradual but I tell you I invested over N30 million naira in The Concubine because as a young boy in school I read and fell in love with the book. Indeed, the books I read as a young child greatly influenced my philosophy as an individual and I believe I can make school children read these books after watching my films. I hope to commence work on Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God soon and I will continue until I have brought many other great books to life through film”.