1976: 40 years after, the movie
The satisfaction of the viewers was glaring as the movie
brought tears to everyone in the hall including one of the star acts, Rita
Dominic. Set six years after the Nigerian civil war, ’76’ tells the story of a
young military officer from Nigeria’s Middle Belt region who gets entangled in
a romantic relationship and eventually marries a beautiful student from the
South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Their budding romance is threatened by endless
military postings, and they face the ultimate test when news of the soldier’s
involvement in a botched coup attempt hits the headlines.
Directed by award winning director, Izu Ojukwu, 76 is
inspired by events which led up to and followed the botched 1976 coup d’etat,
and features real life, archived, actual footage that contributes to the
movie’s overall authenticity. The execution of the movie was also done with the
explicit approval and support from the Nigerian Army.
The director of the movie, Izu Ojukwu, described it as a
tale of love in a time post war. “The movie deals with a range of issues
including the plight of the African woman, and the usually invisible pain of a
soldier’s wife,” he said. “76 highlights the enduring Nigerian cultural values
of courage, resilience, patience, loyalty, faith and family and the nation’s
ability to surmount all challenges.”
The release of 76 comes four decades to the date after the
actual events, and follows several years of work by the director and the
production duo of Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust. 76, stars renowned
Nollywood names including Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo
Fiberesinma, Memry Savanhu, Ada Ofoegbu, Daniel K. Daniel and a host of others.
On his part, the Executive Producer and a patron of the
Nigerian Association of Movie Producers, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, said:
“76 is a deeply emotional movie, and it resonated deeply with me as I am sure
it will do for viewers not just in Nigeria, but around the world.
“The movie’s message presents a number of questions
including how we got here, amongst many other issues. 76 is the first movie to
be shot on film and was thus a very expensive project. We are however very
satisfied with the finished work and we know viewers will thoroughly enjoy the
experience.”
Thanking the Nigerian Army, M-Net and other sponsors for
their support, Princewill added: “None of this would be possible without the
support we have received and continue to receive. The cast and crew have been
phenomenal, and they gave their all to make this movie the success that it is.
I’d also like to thank my partners Adonis Production led by Adonijah for
showing me one of the most powerful ways to touch lives – by making movies.”
76 premieres in 2016 in cinemas across the world starting in
Nigeria, thereafter it will hopefully come to TV screens across the continent
courtesy of DSTv Box office, Netflix & MNET/Africa Magic.
Speaking on the Nigerian Army’s involvement in the movie,
the Head Civil-Military Affairs Army Head Quarters, Major General Nicholas
Rogers, representing the Chief of Army staff said "inevitably a lot has
changed since 1976. As the world has evolved, so have we,”
“The relationship between the army and the people is now
even more critical. Our true strength comes from collaboration, and nowhere is
it better illustrated than in partnerships such as these.” He also reiterated
the commitment of the Nigerian Army Leadership to anything positive that tells
their true story.
Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu
Personal Assistant - Media and Publicity
No comments:
Post a Comment