By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Samuel Mawuyon Ajose and Gateway City |
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The historic town of Badagry is set to take center stage at the 15th iREPRESENT (iREP) International Documentary Film Festival with the selection of the documentary Gateway City. Sponsored by Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA), produced by award-winning filmmaker Viyon Awhanse and based on a story by Dr. Babatunde Mesewaku, the film will have a special screening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island.
The project is proudly backed by the SMA Foundation, an organization led by Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA). The foundation’s grant support for this documentary marks a strategic expansion into the creative arts, aiming to leverage storytelling as a tool for community development, historical preservation, and social impact.
Gateway City offers a cinematic exploration of Badagry’s unique position as a historical and economic link between Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. Rather than focusing solely on regional challenges, the film utilizes advanced documentary techniques to highlight the intersection of trade, diplomacy, and tradition within the Lagos megacity framework.
"By supporting Gateway City, we are keeping our history alive and showing the world the strategic importance of Lagos," said Ajose. "Viyon’s film demonstrates that places like Badagry are essential gateways to the future of our continent."
The documentary's director, Viyon Awhanse, brings a wealth of international experience to the project. Awhanse is widely recognized for his contributions to African cinema, with previous works such as My Father’s Shadow and Lady earning accolades at prestigious festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Berlinale, and the BAFTAs.
Awhanse noted that Gateway City serves as a vital platform to showcase Badagry’s cultural depth to a global audience. The collaboration with the SMA Foundation underscores a growing trend of using audiovisual content to drive sustainable change and foster community engagement.
The iREP International Documentary Film Festival is regarded as Africa’s premier platform for documentary cinema. The 2026 edition is centered on the theme: "Transformation: Impact of Documentary Cinema in Africa."
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 1:55 PM (General session starts at 1:00 PM) Venue: EPAC by Ecobank Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe St, Victoria Island.
Key Focus: Badagry’s Heritage, Leadership, and Economic Potential
The screening is expected to draw a diverse audience of policymakers, cultural enthusiasts, and international observers. By highlighting Badagry’s role as a strategic gateway, the SMA Foundation and Viyon Awhanse aim to shift public perception, transforming the area from a perceived "neglected locality" into a recognized pillar of Nigeria’s future urban growth.