When “A Place in the Stars” hit the box office

At a press briefing hosted by the film’s Director and Producer, Steve Gukas, “A Place in the Stars” a narrative features was said to have been produced by the Native Filmworks Limited, one of Nigeria’s pioneer Film & TV Company.Set in 2006 Nigeria, A Place in the Stars tells the story of Kim Dakim (Gideon […]

At a press briefing hosted by the film’s Director and Producer, Steve Gukas, “A Place in the Stars” a narrative features was said to have been produced by the Native Filmworks Limited, one of Nigeria’s pioneer Film & TV Company.
Set in 2006 Nigeria, A Place in the Stars tells the story of Kim Dakim (Gideon Okeke), a young lawyer who gets a client with a case that leaves him conflicted. He has information that can save many lives if he passes it on, but he also stands to make millions of dollars if he doesn’t. In a very corrupt country where everyone loves money and no one cares how you make it, Kim sees this as his chance to make it big.
Problem is Diokpa Okonwo (Segun Arinze) the kingpin of the counterfeit medical drugs trade, doesn’t play nice. He kills at will to protect his million dollar trade and is not pulling punches against Kim and his client. He has Kim’s client in jail and assassins out to silence Kim. Suddenly Kim is at war on two fronts; one to stay alive and the other against his conscience and everything he has been raised to believe is right.
“From the story treatment to screenplay, costume and production design to the production format, cast and crew, A Place in the Stars turned out to be an A-game performance in all. As we speak, the movie has been scheduled to premiere in Lagos, Abuja, South Africa and Kenya, and in the West – London & New York/Houston Texas,” Gukas said.
On why the film was dedicated to Akunyili, Gukas said the late minister, while at the leadership of NAFDAC, was a beacon of hope as she fought tirelessly to reduce the menace of fake drugs which had continued to claim lives of innocent Nigerians. He said there is no better way to acknowledge Akunyili’s doggedness than an initiative like the movie being launched.
“Akunyili used all she had to fight drug barons to a standstill. The least we can do as a nation is to remember her for good, especially with a movie like “A Place in the Stars,” Gukas said.
Speaking on the challenges encountered while processing the film and why it has to take five years to be ready, Gukas said the major issue he had to contend with was irregular funding, even as he put the rough estimate in cash at over $5 million.
Also, star/actor, Segun Arinze, who also starred in the film, said the society has a lot to learn from the film especially on how the menace of fake drugs can ruin a nation’s value system and economy.
Organisers said A Place in the Stars features some of the best local and international actors, with the likes of award winning actor, Segun Arinze, who is often identified for playing the role of a villain. Also starring in the movie are Gideon Eche-Okeke, Dejumo Lewis, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, Matilda Obaseki, Julian Mcdowell, Armajit Deu and Amaka Mgbor.