The Weekend is a 2024 Nigerian film produced by Uche Okocha and directed by Daniel Oriahi.[1] The cast includes Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang, Meg Otanwa, Gloria Anozie–Young, Damilola Ogunsi, James Gardiner and Bryan Okoye.[2][3] Following its premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2024, the film was released to Nigerian cinemas on August 30th, 2024.[4][5] The selection of the film at the Tribeca Festival marks the starting point for Daniel Oriahi in his filmmaking career as this is the first time his film was selected.[6] The film is the first and only (so far) Nigerian film to have a premiere at the Tribeca Festival.[5]
| The Weekend | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Daniel Oriahi |
| Written by |
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| Produced by | Uche Okocha |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Idhebor Kagho |
| Edited by | U. Ehizoba Chris |
| Music by | Michael Truth Ogunlade |
Release date |
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| Country | Nigeria |
Synopsis
editThe Weekend tells the story of Nikya (played by Uzoamaka Aniunoh) who is an orphan and feels lonely as she was constantly yearning for a family. She soon begins to find a family in her fiancé, Luke (played by Bucci Franklin), as her strong desire for a family grew, she expressed her desire to meet Luke's family. Luke on the other hand kept avoiding taking Nikya to his family, but Nikya won't listen and was really keen on meeting Luke's family. In a bid to satisfy Nikya and owing to the love Luke has for her, he made the sacrifice for her and soon enough, Nikya uncovers the truth that drove Luke away from his family, leading to more problem.[7][3]
Selected cast
edit- Uzoamaka Aniunoh as Nikya
- Bucci Franklin as Luke
- Gloria Anozie as Omicha
- Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey as Meki
- James Gardiner as Zeido
- Meg Otanwa as Kama
Release and recognition
editFollowing its release to Nigerian cinema, The Weekend made over ₦8 million, this was believed to also be as a result of its selection at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York.[9]
The Weekend topped the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards, getting 16 nominations, including Best Achievement in Make-Up, Best Achievement in Costume Design, and Best Achievement in Visual Effects.[10] The 16 nominations set a new record for Nollywood.[11]
References
edit- ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (2024-09-11). "Nollywood 'The Weekend' grosses N18.1 million in Nigerian cinemas". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Tali, Selorm (2024-06-05). "'The Weekend' movie featuring James Gardiner selected for 2024 Tribeca Festival". Pulse Ghana. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ a b BellaNaija.com (2024-06-10). "Daniel Oriahi's "The Weekend" Starring Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin & Meg Otanwa Premieres at Tribeca Film Festival". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Vourlias, Christopher (2024-06-06). "Genre-Bending Nigerian Thriller 'The Weekend' Drops First-Look Clip Ahead of Tribeca Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ a b Mix, Pulse (2024-04-29). "'The Weekend' set to premiere at The Tribeca festival in New York". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Nicolas, Rapold (June 2, 2024). "A Nigerian Filmmaker Hungry to Elevate Nollywood's Thrills". The New York Times.
- ^ Ochugbua, Linda (2024-09-07). "'The Weekend' hits the cinema, takes the Nollywood industry a step forward". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Jeremiah, Urowayino (2024-09-02). "'The Weekend' Premieres Nationwide after making history at Tribeca film festival". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Eti-Inyene, Brooks (2024-09-03). "Daniel Oriahi's 'The Weekend' makes ₦ 8 million in its first weekend". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Oyediran, Tosin (2024-10-03). "FULL LIST: The Weekend, Jagun Jagun top 2024 AMAA nominations". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Eti-Inyene, Brooks (2024-10-03). "The Weekend Sets New Nollywood Milestone with 16 AMAA Nominations". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-04.