By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Tunde Kelani and BIFIF |
The historic coastal town of Badagry is gearing up for a cinematic spectacle as it hosts a pre-festival screening of the critically acclaimed drama "Dazzling Mirage" in honor of legendary filmmaker Tunde Kelani.
The event, organized by the Badagry International Film and Sport Festival (BIFFS), will take place on Saturday, 9th August 2025, at the iconic Badagry Slave Market, promising an unforgettable blend of film, culture, and intellectual discourse.
Directed by Kunle Afolayan, Dazzling Mirage features an all-star cast including Kemi "Lala" Akindoju, Bimbo Manuel, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, and Seun Akindele. The film tells the inspiring story of a young woman battling sickle cell anaemia, weaving themes of love, perseverance, and societal stigma into a powerful narrative. The pre-festival screening aims to spotlight Nollywood’s storytelling excellence while celebrating Kelani’s immense contributions to African cinema.
In an exclusive chat with Viyon Awhanse, founder of the Badagry International Film and Sport Festival, he revealed that the event is part of a broader vision to boost Badagry’s tourism and film industry.
"Our goal is to position Badagry as a prime filming destination. We are committed to ensuring a movie is shot here every three months, and so far, we’ve been successful," Awhanse stated. The festival seeks to attract filmmakers, investors, and tourists, leveraging Badagry’s rich history and scenic landscapes.
The event kicks off at 10 AM and is expected to draw film lovers, industry stakeholders, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria. Organizers describe it as a “day of cinema, Games, conversation, and culture”, setting the stage for the full Badagry International Film Festival later in the year.