Battle on Buka Street, the highly anticipated comedy-drama movie by Funke Akindele, on Sunday night premiered to a select audience at the FilmHouse, Landmark Centre, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the movie is set for its cinema release on December 16.
The movie highlights the typical street lifestyle and follows a food challenge that will focus on who wins the crown as the “king of buka street”.
The cast and other stars from the industry, including Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo. Nkem Owoh, Mercy Johnson and Sola Sobowale graced the red carpet adorned in beautiful cultural attire.
The premier was also graced by the Lagos State governorship candidate of the PDP, Mr Olajide Adediran, known as Jandor.
Also in attendance were Mr Macaroni, Uti Nwachukwu, Kunle Afolayan, Peter of PSquare, Bolanle Peters, Reekado Banks and Nkechi Blessing among others.
On the red carpet, some cast members shared their experiences working on the movie set.
Speaking about the new movie, Akindele said, “I‘m telling a story about celebrating our culture and food.
“Battle on Buka Street is a story about two women who found themselves at loggerheads when they set up a food business on the same street, causing commotion and rivalry between their families.
“I’m excited about the movie, a young guy called Jack owns the original story, he is a newbie in the entertainment industry and the talents we showcased on ‘battle on buka street’ are young fresh talents.
“Nollywood should get ready for the new faces. Working with young people has touched my life, so, anytime I hear they have something new to work on, I quickly jump on it and support them.
“All I want to preach on ‘buka street’ is to celebrate our culture, food, and also celebrate oneness, unity in the family, state and country.
“The cultural essence is ensuring that we bring everybody together; there is no segregation; no discrimination; and no tribalism. Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa coming together. Just preaching unity in Nigeria.
“The fans should look out for celebrating our culture, our food, unity and also make them entertained.”
Speaking with NAN, Sola Sobowale, who said she played the role of a mother in the new movie, commended industry players in Nollywood for their consistency.
Battle on Buka Street has continued to show that Nollywood has the best of players and makes the best of the best.
“Our industry players are dogged, resilient creative artistes who, against all odds, have grown a solid industry over the years.
“Also, corporate organisations and individuals are investing in Nollywood. Netflix can be considered as the most recent game changer in the industry.
“It offers Africans, especially the ever ambitious and overwhelmingly creative Nigerians the opportunity to create cultural contents.
“Nollywood films are continuously breaking box-office records, challenging Hollywood films in Nigerian cinemas.
“Filmmakers as well as filmmaking are professionalising and becoming more cognisant of the role of film beyond entertainment and profit maximisation,“ she said. (NAN)
