Filmmaker hails AVANTE as landmark moment for African cinema

By Abubakar Yunusa

A filmmaker and scriptwriter with AfriSQuare Entertainment, Victory Amah, has described the upcoming film AVANTE as a bold contribution to contemporary African storytelling ahead of its grand premiere on March 29.

Amah, an industry stakeholder, congratulated the producer of the highly anticipated project, praising the vision and discipline required to deliver a film of such scale.

She said bringing a project of such magnitude to the screen demands a deep commitment to storytelling and creative excellence.

“Bringing a film of this magnitude to the screen demands unwavering belief in the power of story,” Amah said, noting that the production reflects visionary leadership and a strong dedication to quality filmmaking.

The film features a cast of notable performers led by Chimezie Imoh, whose role in The Breath of Life earned widespread acclaim at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Also starring is Kingsley Okafor, known for his role in Marriage Stunts, delivering what insiders have described as a performance marked by emotional intensity.

Other cast members include Patience Ujah, recognised for her roles in Halita and Eagle Wings, as well as Eddie Watson, whose performance in The Waiter resonated with audiences across the continent.

Ruth Nkweti, celebrated for her role in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, also features in the production, further strengthening the film’s cultural and artistic appeal.

Behind the scenes, the film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Toka McBaror, whose previous works include Dark October, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Kada River, and Lotanna.

Amah said McBaror’s reputation for cinematic discipline and narrative finesse is expected to complement the producer’s ambitious vision.

“His reputation for cinematic discipline and narrative finesse is expected to reinforce the film’s artistic integrity,” she added.

According to Amah, AVANTE explores deeply human themes including vengeance, love, justice and destiny.

She noted that the emotional depth of the story, combined with thoughtful execution, positions the film as a potentially significant milestone in Africa’s evolving film industry.

As anticipation grows ahead of the premiere, observers say the project represents more than just a film release but a statement of ambition within African cinema.

“If early praise is any indication, March 29 may mark the beginning of a lasting legacy for the production and its creative team,” Amah said.