Martini Sparkles the Africa International Film Festival

Kunle Afolayan

 On Thursday November 30th, 2011 was the  Opening Premiere as  the Africa International Film Festival sparkled by Martini, opened with a special Awards Ceremony at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki – moments at the festival cannot be forgotten in a hurry. Like the night Africa’s finest A-list actors, producers, and directors dazzled the red carpet with everything they got on Thursday, at the official opening premiere and screening of Leila Djansi’s “Ties that Bind” – a film that unearthed Omotola Jalade Ekeinde as a dynamic method actress – a film that revealed her incredible ability to interpret a relatable role effortlessly. Omotola’s performance was awe inspiring, because throughout the duration of the film, we did not see Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – we only saw the character she was playing which was about total immersion into a role, and that’s exactly what she delivered. This captivating drama woven around a single hope that connects three women, living three different lives also stars Kimberly Elise, Randal Batinkoff, and Ama K. Abebrese. It’s Leila Djansi’s third film – and as she put it, “the film was inspired from a personal place”.

Lynn and Geneveive Nnaji

The red carpet, and the romance with Martini was something seductive about the Martini brand, maybe its the colors or maybe it’s the fact that these celebrities can relate to the

sophisticated lifestyle that Martini exemplifies or maybe they just love the fact that Martini threw its weight behind the African film industry – behind a worthy cause whatever it is, these celebrities were subconsciously drawn to the Martini
logo on the media wall as they dazzled and posed for pictures on the red carpet. The gorgeous Genevieve Nnaji had this Halle Berry suave going as she posed for pictures with dozens of frenzied fans; Omotola put the E in sexy, as she glided on the red carpet like the African version of Snow White; Omoni Oboli was stunning in her amiable manner; Rita Dominic madeeyes dance as she strutted on the red carpet with her entourage of velvety-skinned damsels; but then Lynn Whitfield shone like a galaxy of stars – you need not have seen her films to know she was someone very special – she displayed well-cultivated red carpet etiquettes – smiling, hugging, and posing with her colleagues and fans.

Rita Dominic

On Friday was the  Martini AFRIFF Festival Party and It was indeed a Blush Night, as Martini in its trademark glam hosted the hardworking artists and over 200 guests to a glitz-filled festival party at the exotic Villa Angelia Hotel, where everything that glittered were actually worth more than gold – from the sparkling Martini Rose to the glamorous celebrities in beautiful dresses – from the blinged up red carpet decor to the amazing poolside fountain. High profile media stakeholders like Ben Bruce (Silverbird Group) and Biola Alabi (MNET Africa) were at the party to mingle with the film makers who came from all
over the world to celebrate African films. Alex Kothoor, the managing director of GDN Nigeria Limited – official reps of Martini was at the party to make sure the glasses in the building were sparkling with Martini Rose. Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Omoni Oboli, and Lynn Whitfield were the media favorites as there was never a time when they weren’t been besieged by the press to grant them interviews, which they did with overwhelming graciousness.

The Africa International Film Festival sparkled by Martini, continued as the Awards Ceremony started at 6pm on Saturday, 3rd December at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki.

Photo Buzz:

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde