Lonzo Nzekwe // ⓘ is a Nigerian-Canadian filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada.[1][2] He creates transnational Nigerian content, including Anchor Baby,[3][4] his 2010 debut film which premiered at the 2010 Harlem International Film Festival and won the Best Film award. Anchor Baby was released on Netflix on May 20, 2020. His second film, Meet The Parents[5] won the award for "Best Short Film" at the 2016 Africa Movies Academy Awards (AMAA).[6]
Lonzo Nzekwe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Lonzo Nzekwe |
| Nationality | Nigerian/Canadian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian/Canadian |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2010 - present |
| Notable work | Anchor Baby (2010)
Meet The Parents (2016) Orah (2023) |
| Awards | Best Film at 2010 Harlem International Film Festival, Best Short Film at 2016 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) |
Nzekwe is a self-taught filmmaker who writes, directs and produces most of his film projects. He co-founded the first black-owned 24-hour Canadian television network, FEVA TV, and served as the company's CEO from 2013-2015. He is also actively involved in the distribution of content as well as its creation through his film production/streaming company, Ironflix.[7]
His second feature film, Orah, entered production in 2022,[8] and is selected to screen for film buyers and industry professionals at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, in the Industry Selects program.[9] The film will have its official public premiere at the 2023 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival.[10]
Early life and education edit
Nzekwe left Nigeria in 1997, and currently lives in Ontario, Canada.[11]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Kazeem, Yomi. "How Nollywood got ready for its close-up on the global film festival stage". Quartz. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
- ^ "Films directed by Lonzo Nzekwe". letterboxd.com. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
- ^ "Lonzo Nzekwe's award-winning movie "Anchor Baby" celebrates Nigerian cinema debut with a star-studded Premiere in Lagos - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
- ^ "Omoni Oboli, Lonzo Nzekwe pay tribute to Sam Sarpong". The Nation Newspaper. 2015-11-01. Retrieved 2022-11-22.
- ^ Fordham, Glenda (2016-07-05). "Canadian-Nigerian filmmaker LONZO NZEKWE shares indie success story & this year's TIFF spotlight on his home country". FordhamPR. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
- ^ Nwanne, Chuks (2016-06-18). "AMAA award lights up garden city". Guardian. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
- ^ Denton, Nadia. "Beyond Nollywood: 7 filmmakers pushing boundaries". CNN. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
- ^ Etan Vlessing, "Oyin Oladejo Nabs Lead in Refugee Revenge Drama ‘Orah’". The Hollywood Reporter, November 16, 2022.
- ^ Jeremy Kay, "James Marsh, Rebecca Snow, Neil Burger films among 12 TIFF Industry Selects sales titles". Screen Daily, August 21, 2023.
- ^ Clement Goh, "Cinéfest Sudbury marks 35 years with focus on comedy and vampires". CBC Northern Ontario, August 23, 2023.
- ^ Majek, Susan (2013-08-06). "Interview: Lonzo Nzekwe Talks 'Anchor Baby,' Truth In Cinema, The New Nollywood & More…". IndieWire. Retrieved 2018-05-31.