So, the biggest festival of films in Africa – AFRIFF – came and passed (October 29 through November 4), but, we could not just hang our laundry to dry. We caught up with the team that produced such ‘glamorous carnival’ that got the world talking and they had some things to say, that you do not hear, of course, when they give opening speeches and closing prayers.

We started with the brain behind the advent of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude and had a very enlightening conversation with her.

She threw some light on the event itself, her relationship with her team members and… you know what? Read the interview below:

You found AFRIFF, do you think the 2017 edition is a step ahead of previous editions?

Yes, it is a step. No, I don’t think it is a step, it is a million miles ahead. Because of our collaborations, the trajectory we took this year. And it’s not from us soliciting, it’s from us doing a good job.

Do you think there is anything that needs improvement?

Errrm… as human beings, we have to improve every day. I see all our flaws; we are the greatest critics of ourselves. At the end of it all, I swear to God, we are horrible.

I remember the closing ceremony, everyone says it is so good but, we keep on looking for ways to improve ourselves.

What inspired AFRIFF and what has kept you going?

The love of films, not just the love but the business of it inspired me.

The joy we bring, especially to the younger generation has kept me going. The older generation is not left out though.

In a 2016 interview, you mentioned being broke, hopefully, that is by the way. But, how much support (financial) do you get?

Everyone laughs loud.

I would say something. Last year I mentioned being broke, yes. Last year I had a house on my shoulders. This year, I would say I had an egg on my shoulders.

I would tell you something about financial support.

If the French Embassy comes and says, I would pay all the tickets, they have taken N15 million away.

If another company comes and says, oh! We are partners in Eko Hotel and we are going to give you 50% discount, they have automatically saved you N20 million.

We have a lot of that, as well as cash.

How does AFRIFF pass its message?

We always try to pass the message during the festival.

We focus on women, on children. This year we also focused on technology and we tried to have a seminar around that, during the festival.

What kind of impact does AFRIFF have in Africa?

I’m very funny with impact. I don’t pay attention; I just keep going. But, going back to my staff, to people, to what I hear, I hear we are making a huge impact.

And, that’s why we have all the foreign countries coming on board to partner, so we can move this train forward.

Does AFRIFF really ‘Unite’ considering the festival showcases mostly Nigerian content?

I am going to throw this back at you. Where did that question come from?

If you were part of the festival this year, you would have noticed that we had mostly foreign movies. We had only three Nigerian movies.

We had a change of festival Director, who was not particular about Nigerian movies.

If you were good, you would get it, if you were not, you would not get it.

This year, more than ever, we had more foreign movies.

But, I would say something again about Nigeria.

If at some point you see more Nigerian movies because the quality has improved, then, that is what it is.

Final words?

I like final words.

There is something I have been saying. I just say… let’s keep doing it.