Empire Cinema comes alive to Amina Film Premiere

It’s difficult to believe it’s a week already since the staging of one of Nollywood’s biggest movie premieres, Amina.

Amina is a joint production between Nollywood and British actors.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

The film was written by the talented Christian Ashaiku and co-produced by one of our favourite black British actors, Wil Johnson (Anuvahood).

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

The story basically depicted the life of a troubled Amina (played by Omotola Jalade Ekeinde) who struggled desperately to manage her mental illness.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

The event was awash with film and stage notables from Africa and the UK all of whom came out in force to ensure Leicester Square’s Empire Cinema was adorned in the finest garments. The red carpet was kep busy with the steady flow of celebrities who took time to pose for the vast media present.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Among the many stars who attended were Olympian Christine Ohuruogu, Holby City’s Jimmy Akingbola, rapper Kano, The Bill actor Aml Ameen  and quite a few of the Amina crew and cast.

Aml Ameen. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

The place was buzzing as other show founders / directors such as Pauline Long from BEFFTA Awards; actress Theodora Ibekwe from Miss Elegant International; actress Chizzy Akudolu from Holby City and many others donned the red carpet.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

After a deluge of still photography, smiling, posing and endless chatter all were ushered into the main theatre for the screening at which point writer, producer and director Christian Ashaiku spoke at length about his gratitude to his cast crew, and sponsors.

Actor Rudolph Walker. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

He also took a moment to speak about the inspiration behind the making of film and the challenges of assembling the cast and crew.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

The film was very interesting and the audience were, for the most part, very taken in by the events which unfolded before them, showing how Wil Johnson and Omotola very skillfully dramatised a compelling story.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Following the show there were a few thank you’s and congratulations before many headed to the long awaited after party at Jewel bar in Piccadilly Circus.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

From all accounts the ravers thoroughly enjoyed Wil Johnson’s hand as a DJ and partied in two rooms until 1:30am.

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Justima Mutale, Founder Positive Runway. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Holby City’s Chizzy Akudolu and Jimmy Akingbola

Wil Johnson and guest. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Omotola (right) and guest. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Comedian Obonjo. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Actress Theodora Ibekwe. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

BEFFTA CEO Pauline Long and Motivational Speaker Dayo Olomu. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

NEL Awards founder Sam Onigbanjo. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Nollywood actor Segun Arinze. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

Actor Wale Ojo. Photo courtesy Daniel Sync Photos

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