THE LOCAL & FLY

Over the last few years, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science has become more diversified. The organisers of the world’s biggest film event are expanding to make their member list more distinct. New members from 59 countries were recently invited and on the Academy invitation list are three Nigerians, Chinonye Chukwu, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Tunde Kelani. They are among the 842 on the list by The Hollywood Reporter. The full list is available for viewing on The Hollywood Reporter site.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s name appears on the actors’ section. The actor/director recently directed a movie ‘Farming’ which appears to be his autobiography. The story is set around the life of a young boy who is given away by his parents to a white British family in exchange for a better future. He finds himself in the centre of a racist group in 1980s England. Farming stars Kate Beckinsale alongside Nigeria’s Genevieve Nnaji.

Chinonye Chukwu, on the other hand, appears in the writers’ section of the list. In February, the writer/director became the first black woman to win Sundance festival’s biggest award the Grand Jury Prize for ‘Clemency’. Following that, she was chosen to direct the female black panther drama, ‘A Taste of Power’. It is an adaptation of Elaine Brown’s memoir of the same name.

Multi-talented filmmaker Tunde Kelani who is the producer of the movies ‘Maami’ is also on the list. He appears on the directors section. Kelani is popular for his interest in literary adaptations. Like many recent filmmakers, promoting the Nigerian culture is also one of his specialities.

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