Following months of anticipation, Funke Akindele’s latest movie titled, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, was eventually premiered amidst fanfare at the Filmhouse Cinema IMAX, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, December 10, 2023. The colourful night was filled with familiar faces, all gorgeously dressed in glamorous outfits. The star-studded premiere themed, ‘Costume Party Extravaganza ‘ lived up to expectations, with the centre of attraction, Funke Akindele appearing in a golden outfit that had looking like a fairytale princess. Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, aka Captain Degzy, the film tells the story of a family of boys, who decide to rob a mall to raise money for their mother’s hospital bill. However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers. Speaking on the inspiration behind the movie, Akindele noted that it was dedicated to her late mum, Dr Adebanjo Akindele. She said, “The story is so dear to my heart. It has a part of my late mum in it, and it represents the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in society. “There’s often a stigmatisation surrounding women who have children out of wedlock. They get labelled with unprintable names with the assumption that their children will amount to nothing. “The film also sheds some focus on rebellious children. When they start out being rebellious, their families tend to give up on them. However, it is important to look for something special in your children; help them nurture their talents, and they will become great with it.” She added that the movie will resonate with people from all walks of life, stating that she made sure ‘everybody was represented in it’. “It aims to tell our stories, the African way, by showcasing our reality and struggles,” she said. Speaking on how she ensured she selected the right cast for the movie, she said, “I love to be realistic and objective when casting. Sentiments do not influence my decisions. You have to be talented to work with me, and I admire disciplined actors. “I had the pleasure of working with an exceptional cast for this movie, including Nse Ikpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe, and so many others. I set out looking for actors that would give me what I wanted, and I got the best.” The actress and filmmaker admitted that though she sometimes faced pressure to outdo herself, she counters it by reminding herself to do her part and leave the rest for God. Other actors in the movie include Boma Akpore, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Etinosa Idemudia, Fathia Balogun, Jide Kene Achufusi, Juliana Olayode, Olumide Oworu, Paschaline Alex, Tobi Makinde, Yvonne Jegede, and Genovevah Umeh, among others. The premiere was well attended by celebrities such as, Odunlade Adekola, Denrele Edun, Muyiwa Ademola, Ini Edo, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Ruth Kadiri.
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