Nollywood director Daniel Oriahi’s film The Weekend has been officially selected to screen at the prestigious 68th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, set to take place from October 9 to October 20, 2024.
The festival, one of the largest and most influential in the UK, will feature a diverse lineup of 255 titles, including feature films, shorts, series, and immersive works from 80 different countries, showcasing productions in 64 languages.
Oriahi’s The Weekend will be presented in the festival’s Cult Section, which is known for spotlighting thrillers and horror films that push the boundaries of the genre.
Following the film’s premiere on August 30, 2024, The Weekend made an impressive debut in Nigerian cinemas, earning ₦8 million in box office revenue. Oriahi shared his excitement about the film’s international recognition on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the BFI selection and celebrating the continued success of his film within Nollywood.
He also noted that The Weekend has been breaking box office records for its genre and is set to be showcased alongside some of the most anticipated films of the fall season. Oriahi further expressed pride in joining a new wave of Nigerian filmmakers whose works have been featured in the BFI festival in previous years, including Kenneth Gyang, C.J. Obasi, Abba Makama, and others.
He wrote:
“I am deeply honoured and proud to announce that The Weekend has been officially selected to screen at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, the largest film festival in the UK. This selection comes as The Weekend continues to break box office records for its genre in Nollywood. The Weekend will be showcased in the BFI (LFF) Cult Section alongside some of the most anticipated thrillers and horror films of the fall season. I am equally thrilled to join the ranks of extraordinary new wave Nigerian filmmakers like @kennethgyang @fierycj @abbatmakama @mikegouken @damiorimogunje and @chukoesiri , whose works have graced past editions of this prestigious festival,” he said.
Oriahi’s career in filmmaking started with his debut feature Misfit, a psychological horror film created on a very limited budget. His subsequent works, including the 2015 film Taxi Driver: Oke Ashewo and the 2018 supernatural thriller Sylvia, cemented his reputation as a creative force in Nollywood.
The Weekend, Oriahi’s latest project, has marked a triumphant return to the international film stage, having previously been screened at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Remarkably, it was the only Nollywood film to be selected for the Tribeca festival, adding to the movie’s growing list of accolades and recognition.
The Weekend is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Nikiya Talabi, an orphaned young woman who seeks the comfort of family and companionship. Her journey takes a dark turn when she visits her fiancé’s seemingly perfect family, only to uncover disturbing secrets that threaten her well-being.
The film’s suspenseful narrative, coupled with strong performances from a talented cast, has drawn attention for its intense portrayal of human relationships and hidden dangers. The cast includes Nollywood stars such as Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Meg Otanwa, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Gloria Anozie-Young, and Damilola Ogunsi.
With its selection at both the BFI London Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival, The Weekend continues to build momentum as a standout work in the Nollywood industry.
